Mark Bagley talks with Dave about the events that brought him to Marvel Comics in the late 1980’s, his career defining work on Amazing Spider-Man in the early 1990’s, and his now classic work on Venom: Lethal Protector and Maximum Carnage. The two discuss Bagley’s work on the 1994 Fleer trading card set, Wizard magazine, Life Story With Chip Zdarsky, and encounters with Jim Shooter and Erik Larsen. 

www.directedtionpodcast.com

Follow Mark here on IG https://www.instagram.com/officialmarkbagleyart/?hl=en

Regime change aside, and with community on his mind, Dave has some questions. What drives us to collect and where do we search for new perspectives that differ from our own? What drives a hobby to become more diverse? After fortifying our existing relationships, do we really need to look for more? Exactly how high do you need to be before you forget to hit the play button? Beatles or Stones? Perhaps he’ll find the answers during his upcoming trip to Japan.

If you are enjoying this podcast , please rate it/like/comment on whatever platform you are listening on, help it grow!

www.directeditionpodcast.com

After some time away, and ahead of his channel’s 3 year anniversary, Dave recaps the past month. He talks about his trip to Pittsburgh for Eddie P. Con, comic hunting with Jim Rugg, his new home studio, and recent conversation with Kevin Devine. Dave shares an awkward moment he once shared with Metallica’s James Hetfield, talking Marilyn Manson with Johnny Depp, and the time he caught Jon Stewart hilariously off-guard. 

www.directeditionpodcast.com

Songwriter and musician Kevin Devine joins Dave for an expansive conversation about music, nostalgia, pro-wrestling, humor, geekdom and all things in-between.

They discuss the earnest will of 90’s frontmen, the importance of context in creativity, and power of sobriety. Kevin shares stories from his long career, discusses his new podcast “Give it a Chance,” and reflects on the inspiration for releasing material direct to Patreon since 2020. The conversation is, hopefully, the first of many between Kevin and Dave, as long as the FBI doesn’t shut them down first.

Kevin's Patreon https://www.patreon.com/kevindevine/posts

Give It A Chance Podcast (Kevin & Casey Jost) https://open.spotify.com/show/4dIdd0Te0IqsdvXTdtszWM?si=b1981f9c6b1c456b

Everything else - www.kevindevine.net

Www.directeditionpodcast.com

Ahead of his upcoming trip to Pittsburgh for the inaugural Eddie P. Con (Honoring the legacy of Ed Piskor), Dave reflects on a busy week and answers some subscriber questions. He talks music as therapy, New York memories and details his top (and bottom) 3 comic book movies. 

www.directeditionpodcast.com

Veteran artist Bart Sears joins Dave to talk about his long career in comics. They discuss his early work with TSR and Hasbro, examine the industry decline of the 1990s and Sears’ work on C.O.P.S., G.I. Joe, Justice League, Violator, Blade, Turok, Heavy Metal, Wizard Magazine, CrossGen and the early days of Valiant.

Bart's Website - www.Bartsearsart.com

Www.DirectEditionPodcast.com

Dave sits down with Mickey Finnegan, the writer, director, comic collector and YouTube content creator better known as Swagglehaus. Mickey talks about his career and award winning commercial work with artists LMFAO, Mike Tyson, and Soulja Boy, his short film ‘Mom Fight’ and the origins of his YouTube channel. The two discuss their mutual love of film, Edgar Wright, Weird Al Yankovic, the endearing art of professional wrestling and ask the question, “where does nostalgia go from here?”

www.directeditionpodcast.com

Subscribe to Swagglehaus on Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@Swagglehaus

A woefully sleep deprived Dave recaps a busy week. He discusses the new Deadpool & Wolverine movie and attempts to answer the question we’ve all been asking - will Doom prevail? Dave celebrates Ed Piskor’s recent Eisner award and in the spirit of positivity and gratitude gives thanks to the friends and small businesses that keep comics headed in the right direction. 

www.directeditionpodcast.com

In the face of recent PSA comic grading news, Dave makes the case for comics as more than just trophies to be idolized but as a relevant art form with cultural value that should never beholden to third parties. As more interest turns toward shallow value systems and misguided interest, will we be able to avoid repeating the industry collapse of early 90s? After all, those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. 

Www.directeditionpodcast.com

A recent blight of time wasters has Dave assessing his tolerance for negativity and fortifying the methods he has in place to combat them. He talks about the inevitable call and response spurred by negative comments and why going low is sometimes the quickest way to find calm in the chaos.

And on the topic of chaos - ‘The Bear’ is the best - ‘nuff said. Dave talks about his love of the tv show, it’s medicinal effects and his musical kinship with creator Christopher Storer.

www.directeditionpodcast.com

Proving that inspiration really is the sincerest form of flattery, Dave makes his case for the undeniable creative parallels between Jaws - the single greatest film of all time - and two of the past decade’s best movies; Jordan Peele’s NOPE and Takashi Yamazaki’s GODZILLA MINUS ONE.

(THIS EPISODE IS SPOILER HEAVY)

Check out all things Direct Edition and West Coast Davengers at www.westcoastdavengers.com

Season 1 Finale! 

Dave tells the story of his move from New York to Seattle in 2014. With the East Coast fixed firmly in his 'rearviewmirror', he reminisces about the House On The Rock, Comic hunting in Milwaukee, Alderaan, one fateful encounter at a Cincinnati Pearl Jam concert, and a brief but awe inspiring moment of patriotism. 

Thanks to Jack Kirby & Neil Gaiman for the inspiration!

www.westcoastdavengers.com

Dave swims upstream against the relentless hype machine that has been fueling predatory capitalism since the early ’90s. Continuing the conversation of the death of physical media, Dave reminisces about DVD commentaries and extras. He talks about fan communities, the importance of rest and his upcoming trip to Japan.

www.westcoastdavengers.com

www.directeditionpodcast.com

Dave shares a wild story from 1998 when he unwittingly became a part of 90’s pro wrestling history at 17 years old. What do Skid Row's Sebastian Bach, Former WWE & Current AEW Pro Wrestler Paul Wight , and one character-defining half gallon of milk all have in common?

This podcast episode reveals all !

Erik Larsen returns for a wide ranging conversation about comics, collecting, original art, and being of service to the things you enjoy the most. Dave reunites Erik with pieces of ‘lost art’ that he produced at age 19, and the two discuss details of Larsen’s upcoming Savage Dragon Vault Edition. Erik gives insight on his experience following Todd McFarlane on Spider-Man and gives his side of their now infamous collaborative splash page. This savage episode contains a metric sh*t ton of great conversation and enough insight to choke a horse. 

Subscribe to West Coast Davengers on YouTube - www.youtube.com/westcoastdavengers

Dave maintains balance as he rides the mental wave of his own thought tornado. He shares how anxiety acts as motivating tool for his daily routines, work practices, and unique perspective on the world - all while battling giant bugs, reckoning with artistic longevity and indulging his overactive imagination. 

Comic superstar, writer, and class clown Chip Zdarsky joins Dave for a conversation about early comic influences, the world of independent publishing and the 10th anniversary of Sex Criminals. The two talk about comedic influences, Frank Miller, Daniel Clowes and the delicate art of creating emotional resonance through continuity and storytelling. Chip talks about upcoming projects (Batman & Whisper Queen) , manga, his design sensibility and the murder of Jar Jar Binks. 

Follow West Coast Davengers on Youtube - www.youtube.com/westcoastdavengers

Ahead of a short trip to Vancouver, Dave has music on the brain. He talks about the newest Pearl Jam album 'Dark Matter' and wrestles with the disproportionate fees attached to seeing live music. He discusses the rampant toxic fandom that is attached to modern music culture, and it’s clear parallels in comic community with the passing of Ed Piskor. Also, is Dave a secret Swiftie?

Subscribe to the West Coast Davengers Youtube - www.youtube.com/westcoastdavengers

On the heels of a successful 2-day event, Dave sits down to recap the most recent Davengercon. He reflects on his creative process, planning, pitfalls and triumphs of the entire production and is invigorated by the potential of future events. Dave also touches on a recent episode and has some choice words for those using his platform to spread negativity in the wake of Ed Piskor’s tragic passing.

Watch the best Davenger Con moments here: www.youtube.com/westcoastdavengers

30 year comic veteran Mike Allred sits down with Dave for an extensive conversation about comics, music and film. Mike shares stories about his early encounters with comics and talks about the critical role that family plays in his career. The two discuss Barry Windsor-Smith, Neil Gaiman, Star Wars, the Original Art Expo, all things Batman - past and present - and discover that they agree on most things, even the weather.

www.youtube.com/westcoastdavengers

Comic creator Daniel Warren Johnson joins Dave to talk about his upcoming signature edition of Extremity. They discuss Johnson’s newest work on Transformers, his writing process, music, wrestling, original art, Manga and more. 

Subscribe to West Coast Davengers YouTube - www.youtube.com/westcoastdavengers

Sub to DDubs:

https://www.youtube.com/@DanielWarrenJohnson1

Ed Piskor 1982-2024

Kayfabe forever!

Dave scratches an itch after returning from a quick comic buying trip to Bellingham. He reflects on the unnatural nature and inevitable pressure of conducting interviews over the computer. Dave reminisces about meeting Pearl Jam & Eddie Vedder in Montreal, reminds us of the power of shared experiences and gives his thoughts on the internet toxicity spurred by the new X-Men animated series. Plus - DAVENGERCON is coming!

www.youtube.com/westcoastdavengers

Continuing the thread from last week’s episode, Dave laments the disappearance of physical media and disowns the inexcusable failures of streaming platforms. He discusses Alan Moore’s recently published perspective on fandom and reflects on how nostalgia suffocates open-mindedness. 

PLUS, a special shoutout to the NSDC Podcast.

https://linktr.ee/nsdcpodcast

Read the Alan Moore Article here: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/oct/26/fandom-has-toxified-the-world-watchmen-author-alan-moore-on-superheroes-comicsgate-and-trump

Dave welcomes kindred spirit Japan Book Hunter (Shawn Honnold) for a wide-ranging conversation about the world of collecting, finding and selling rare books in Japan, the culture of Manga and it’s growing popularity worldwide, the disposable nature of Shonen Jump and the wildly unique world of fan created Doujinshi.

The two compare notes across international markets and find common ground in punk culture, original art and the importance of diversity in comics.

www.japanbookhunter.com

https://www.youtube.com/@japanbookhunter

Dave talks about the merits and rewards of being his own boss and working without a net on the road to Davenger Con.

After a recap of the recent Emerald City Comic Con, he takes the American news media to task. Dave shares his views on the media’s unending perpetuation of social stereotypes, and the relentless force multipliers that seem hellbent on steering us all away from empathy at every turn.

Subscribe to Youtube and join the Discord-https://linktr.ee/WestcoastDAVEngers

Prolific artist and creator Jim Mahfood joins Dave to discuss his unique artistic path, tools of trade and the ongoing and intertwined role that music has played in his art. The two discuss their mutual admiration of cultural Japan and reckon with the historical relevance of Bill Sienkiewicz. 

As a bonus I've created a playlist that contains songs from every artist/album mentioned in the interview, it is available on spotify and as a video playlist on youtube!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6r6pK9rfbYWZZZ0eYVIb4W?si=48064f86572441ab

Please don't forget to rate & review this podcast!

All my links here https://linktr.ee/WestcoastDAVEngers

All my heroes are junk-waxers

Dave has cards on the brain and sits down to reminisce about his early years collecting during the junk wax era and traces a path from early baseball and hockey sets through to the emergence of iconic non-sports Marvel sets of the early 90’s. He talks comic-cuts, digital only releases, and looks at how the dwindling availability of physical cards was the canary in the coal mine for the bleak future of American small business. 

Plus, Frank Miller.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel today - https://linktr.ee/WestcoastDAVEngers

Dave recaps his recent trip to Florida and time spent at the first annual Original Art Expo. After reckoning with some potential burnout, Dave opens up about his deep love of music, the merits of Punk, and the mainstay bands that have meant the most. 

Plus, November Rain.

https://linktr.ee/WestcoastDAVEngers

Todd McFarlane
Dave sits down with iconic artist and entrepreneur, Todd McFarlane. The too discuss key moments in Todd’s career, his creative process, handling critics, baseball, Akira, Spawn, original art and more. See Todd Buy Todd!

All My Links - https://linktr.ee/WestcoastDAVEngers

Dave checks-in from a wintery cave and shares the details of 2 important, upcoming interviews. He reflects on a decade of sobriety, his close relationship with the city of New York, comics, collecting and friendship.

https://linktr.ee/WestcoastDAVEngers

Dave sits down with prolific artist, writer and publisher Erik Larsen. The two discuss Larsen’s storied career, influences, Graphic Fantasy, Savage Dragon, Image Comics, and the current state of the industry. Plus Spagetti Webs and Fly Fishing Comics.

Follow West Coast Davengers on Youtube - www.youtube.com/westcoastdavengers

Everywhere else- https://linktr.ee/WestcoastDAVEngers

Thanks to Skar System for the music, all rights belong to Joe Skar.

Dave is back (did he ever really leave?) and weighs in with some final thoughts on the recent CGC graded comic fiasco. He talks about the origins of the West Coast Davengers, his deep interest in collecting and the process of turning a personal passion into a successful public endeavor. (OR successful anti-establishment establishment.)

Follow West Coast Davengers on Youtube - www.youtube.com/westcoastdavengers

Everywhere else- https://linktr.ee/WestcoastDAVEngers

Thanks to Skar System for the music, all rights belong to Joe Skar.

Dave talks about the culture of criticism that has infiltrated the current media landscape and tries to decipher the negativity that fuels this new world of preemptive scrutiny. He looks Furiosa, and Joker: Folie à Deux as recent victims of this trend and runs through the Batman film canon as evidence that DC Comic stories make better movies.

And a bonus story about a mysterious gated community

www.directeditionpodcast.com

Daniel Warren Johnson returns to the podcast to discuss a handful of new projects, his recent Eisner awards, Steven Spielberg, a mystery comic that paid the rent, and supplementing stories with music. DJW shares updates on his current Transformers work, an upcoming Kickstarter, and talks about J.R.R. Tolkien and the companionship that inspiration brings to a normal life. 

https://www.youtube.com/@DanielWarrenJohnson1

www.direceditionpodcast.com

Dave checks in and is feeling his age. He discusses mental health, legacy and carrying the weight of others, in a frank and open discussion. The question of "what is my legacy?" is asked.

As always, he turns toward the positive and talks about a much needed jolt from Jack White, and the destructive power of Alabama Shakes.

www.directeditionpodcast.com

Artist and creator Jim Mahfood returns to the podcast to discuss his new project Savage Street Vigilante. Mahfood and Dave talk about why Pittsburgh is a paradise of comics, the current collector market, bootlegs and zine culture, the magic of physical media and the powerful act of answering to no-one.

Back The Kickstarter! - http://kck.st/4eKY20b

www.directeditionpodcast.com

Is it a rant? Is it diarrhea of the mouth? A cacophony of contradictions? In this episode Dave lets out his truth, while keeping in mind that there is two sides to every story.

www.directeditionpodcast.com

30th Episode!!!

Dave sits down with friend and prolific musician Evan Weiss (Into It. Over It., Pet Symmetry & more). Evan talks growing up in New Jersey, early inspiration, the importance of Green Day’s Dookie in forming his first band. He shares what it takes to break even while recording, managing a record label and running a successful Patreon. The two agree to disagree on ‘The Bear,’ formulate the perfect Guitar Center prank and talk their favorite band, Pearl Jam. 

Stormchasers LTD Patreon https://patreon.com/stormchasersltd

Recommended listening (Albums)

Into It Over It - Figure, Standards, Intersections

Pet Symmetry - Pets Hounds , Vision

Evan's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intoitoverit/?hl=en

www.directeditionpodcast.com

Artist Pardee joins Dave and talks about how his earliest inspirations - Garbage Pail Kids, Santa Cruz Skateborads, Tales From the Crypt and Gary Larsen’s Far Side comics - formed the recipe for his unique and colorful artistic style.

They discuss how the positive power of art can help quiet an anxious mind, the glory days of Tower Records, David Fincher and the hustle involved in building something from nothing.

Alex’s talks about his recent character design work on Hulu’s Mr. Crocket and reflects on his recent Return Of The Dopplegangers exhibition at Harman Projects.

Purchase Dopplegangers -https://harmanprojects.myshopify.com/collections/alex-pardee

Alex's Shop! https://shop.alexpardee.com/

Follow Alex - https://www.instagram.com/alexpardee/?hl=en

https://www.westcoastdavengers.com/direct-edition-podcast

Dave sits down for an in-depth conversation with global DJ, cultural alchemist, foodie, and ambassador of nostalgia, Skeme Richards. The two discuss early musical inspirations and the youth driven culture collision of New York’s early rap and punk scenes, and compare notes on time spent in Japan.

Skeme explains the connections between his role as musical conductor and pop culture preservationist, what separates true DJs from the rest of the pack and how he is reclaiming nostalgia for the future. 

Skeme's website - https://nostalgiaking.com/

Skeme's DJ set referenced in the episode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5qgrGou-to&t=273s

Dave shares his (almost) daily diary of audio recordings from Tokyo and talks book hunting, Japan Comic Art Expo, Tokyo Comic Con, meeting Peach Momoko and the surreal city that he is quickly falling in love with.

Dave shares his original art commission by Shintaro Kago, talks local cuisine, coffee, Godzilla, praises the lost art of walking, and discusses the value and promise of new partnerships. And more coffee.

https://www.westcoastdavengers.com/direct-edition-podcast

こんにちは

In the season 3 opener, Dave is recording live from Koenji, Japan. He marvels at the cohesive, functioning society there, and the distinct appreciation for all things pop culture. Dave reflects on the year of work that made the trip possible, tips his hat in appreciation to Ed Piskor’s Manga Quest, and recaps the first the coffee, food, art, and books he’s found so far. Also - Godzilla!!  

https://www.westcoastdavengers.com/direct-edition-podcast

The season 2 finale is here, and Dave is off to Tokyo to rewire, refresh and reset ahead of the new year. He talks plans and expectations for the trip while straddling the line between excitement and apathy. After all, how different can the egg salad really be?

Arigatou Gozaimasu!

www.directeditionpodcast.com

Jim Mahfood returns to discuss Defective Comics Presents : Arachnid Enforcer, his newest self-published, Kickstarter-backed bootleg Spider-Man comic.

Jim and Dave drink spider-blood and swap stories about their earliest parody influences—MAD Magazine, SNL, and “Weird Al” Yankovic—favorite Spider-Man eras, Jim’s character-design work on Into the Spider-Verse, and the perpetual thrill of seeing your work in print.

BACK THE KICKSTARTER HERE: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jimmahfood/defective-comics-presents-the-arachnid-enforcer

JOIN MY PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/davengersdirectedition

Tyler Mane joins Dave to talk about his pro wrestling career, becoming Sabertooth (X-Men & Deadpool / Wolverine) & Michael Myers (Halloween) and co-creating his first graphic novel The Last Spartan: Red Tape. Tyler shares stories from his earliest days training with Stu Hart, finding inspiration in comic books, wrestling Andre the Giant in Japan, working with Rob Zombie, getting stabbed on set, and the motivation behind his most recent project that shines a light on the horror of human trafficking.

Join my Patreon today : https://www.patreon.com/davengersdirectedition

Pick up The Last Spartan here - https://tylermane.com/the-last-spartan

www.maneentertainment.com

All Tyler's Links : linktr.ee/tylermane

Daniel Warren Johnson, Greatness is Par for the CourseEisner Award-winning comic book artist and writer Daniel Warren Johnson returns to discuss the making of The Art of Daniel Warren Johnson, his new, Kickstarter-funded, career-spanning monograph. He talks to Dave about his latest projects - Absolute Batman Annual, his creator owned Sci-Fi project, and covers for Deadpool and the DC KO Tournament - and the two discuss gratitude, tools of the trade, and DWJ’s latest obsession, golf.Back the kickstarter here : http://kck.st/4o7tBXNSubscribe to Dan's YouTube channel : https://www.youtube.com/@DanielWarrenJohnson1Wolverine Cover Episode DDubs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHNwzkHlCyk

Stand Up! Records founder and Grammy-winning producer Dan Schlissel joins Dave for a wide-ranging conversation about comedy, music, and maintaining integrity. They discuss Dan’s family roots, his early fascination with American junk culture, Chick Tracts, punk record label (ISIM & ISIMIST), and the formative impact of seeing George Carlin at 17.

Dan shares how he helped launch Slipknot’s career, his collaborations with Lewis Black, Mitch Hedberg, and Sam Miller, and why he believes that anything worthwhile always begins as a joke.

https://standuprecords.com/

https://www.instagram.com/standuprecords/

https://www.westcoastdavengers.com/direct-edition-podcast

'The Bear' has Dave wondering about the true cost of being so busy all the time. Has corporate exploitation robbed us of our free time? Dave talks business sense, Ticketmaster monopoly, the scam of streaming services, Turnstile, and draws parallels between the decline of comic books and vinyl records.  

https://www.westcoastdavengers.com/direct-edition-podcast

Dave is back from Heroes-Con, feeling fitter, happier and more productive. He shares his theory of small batch travel, finding authentic experiences beyond the beaten path and supporting local business. Dave talks Carolina BBQ, learning to love Radiohead, eating under the influence, Mission District Tacos, and the revolutionary act of introducing new people to new things.

https://www.westcoastdavengers.com/direct-edition-podcast