Rick Remender has done it all when it comes to comics and has the catalog to prove it. A life long advocate of creator owned comics, Rick has spent countless years delivering fans memorable story after memorable story....and isn't stopping any time soon! January 2025 sees the release of his new book, The Seasons, with artist Paul Azaceta and we spend a good chunk of this episode talking about his new project. But like any fan of this show knows, we gotta talk about how he gets there.

After a 10 year hiatus, Let's Talk Comics is back to give fans and professionals alike an inside look into the comic book industry. These in depth conversations hosted by Jim Viscardi (VP of Business Development at Image Comics) will cover everything from new projects to origin stories and everything in between. 

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Jason Aaron has built a career that will stand the test of time in our world of comics. A master storyteller, Jason has redefined iconic characters across multiple superhero universes while creating acclaimed original works like Scalped and Southern Bastards. In this episode, we dive into his journey, from his early days breaking into the industry to the launch of his latest creator-owned project at Image Comics, Bug Wars, with artist Mahmud Asrar. As always, we explore what fuels his creative fire and the stories behind his unforgettable tales.

It's a MASSIVE sized episode this week and considering who my guest is, you're going to be in for a great time. Kyle Higgins has shaped some of the most beloved characters in comics and has created a whole slew of his very own. From breaking into the industry with DC and Marvel to creating his own universe with the Massive-Verse at Image Comics, Kyle shares stories about redefining iconic characters like Nightwing, resurrecting the Power Rangers franchise, and the passion and challenges behind his creator-owned work like Radiant Black (which begins its Rebuild arc in Feb 2025). We talk about Kyle's creative process, his approach to storytelling and what it takes to build entire worlds from the ground up. Enjoy!

Marjorie Liu is a creator I've admired for a very long time. This week she joins the show to talk about how she discovered comics through X-Men: The Animated Series and how her love of storytelling and reading led her to a career writing novels and eventually comics (all after graduating from law school). Her insight into her writing process, especially with how she approaches Monstress, is a must listen for anyone working in the creative field. How she balances the epicness of her creator owned title with themes of trauma, identity and resilience is a masterclass. 

Juni Ba of Monkey Meat fame joins the show this week for a very interesting chat about being fearless when telling stories. His distinctive artistic style only elevates the deep personal themes that shape Juni's storytelling. His approach to research, how it influences the aesthetics and themes in his work are only scratching the surface on what we cover this episode.

In this episode of Let's Talk Comics, Mahmud Asrar joins the show on the eve of his new big Image Comics release, Bug Wars (with Jason Aaron). Mahmud was part of the creator class that came up through an online community called Digital Webbing before breaking out with his first published series , Dynamo 5, with Jay Ferber. From there he went on to do a bunch of big titles at Marvel & DC including a long stint in the X-Men world, Conan & Supergirl. We also dive into his creative process, the influence of Manga on Western comics, and his love for gaming and photography. This is one you can't miss!

On this episode of Let's Talk Comics, I'm sitting down with writer Deniz Camp, who's been on an absolute tear lately—writing major books at Marvel and DC while also putting out some incredible creator-owned work including the upcoming Assorted Crisis Events. We talk about his breakout moment with 20th Century Men, the lessons he's learned along the way, and how he approaches storytelling with a unique blend of depth and experimentation. If you're into comics that push boundaries or just want to hear from one of the most exciting writers in the game right now, this one's for you!

In this special bonus episode of Let's Talk Comics, we're bringing you a conversation that's as fascinating as it is unexpected! Jason Aaron (Bug Wars, Thor, Scalped) is back on the show but this time with entomologist Dr. Adrian Smith, an expert in insect behavior, to dive deep into the real-world inspirations behind Bug Wars. The two of them explore the brutal, cooperative, and downright alien nature of insects, from deadly beetle battles to ant warfare, and how those elements shape the world of the comic. Plus, we learn about the craziest bugs that should absolutely make it into the series, including a real-life predator with a sticky, projectile mouth! Whether you're a comic fan, a bug enthusiast, or just love a great behind-the-scenes story, this episode is a must-listen.

Follow Dr. Adrian Smith on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dradriansmith/?hl=en

Check out Dr. Adrian Smith's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AntLab

On this episode of Let's Talk Comics, I chat with writer Matthew Rosenberg to dive deep into his indie comics roots, his love of comics and his journey to Image. From his early work with books like 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank through his DC & Marvel work, to arriving at Image, Matt's story is one for the ages. He talks about how his admiration for Image shaped his career goals, his first pitch to Image and the creative risks that led to What's The Furthest Place From Here?. Plus, he's got a new book coming out, We're Taking Everyone Down With Us, and how this book is the culmination of everything he's learned so far as a creator and why he's so incredibly excited for it.

Photo by Gerry Duggan

On this episode of Let's Talk Comics, I sit down with Sanford Greene, co-creator and artist of Bitter Root. Sanford, David F. Walker and Chuck Brown are bringing the family back together in Bitter Root: The Next Movement and so I just had to talk to Sanford about returning to that world, what fans can expect and how he got to this point. We also five into his journey into comics, some of his early struggles, and how he developed his style. A must listen for fans of his work!

On this episode of Let's Talk Comics, we sit down with Image Comics partner, creator of Invincible, The Walking Dead and so much more, Robert Kirkman. This episode has it all because Robert has seen and done it all! We dive deep into the business of comics, talking about creator ownership, his creative process and how the industry has changed over the years.

We also cover the following:

• The Rise of The Walking Dead and it's impact on his life
• Common misconceptions about the comics industry
• The future of Image comics
• His approach to long-term storytelling, business strategy and more

If you're a die-hard fan of Robert Kirkman, a creator looking for some valuable insight, or just someone who loves the inside baseball of it all, this episode is a must listen.

Also if you enjoyed the episode, take a screenshot and share it on Instagram - tag @letstalkcomics, @imagecomics & @jimviscardi - let us know your favorite moment! And don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow comic fans!

In this episode of Let's Talk Comics, we sit down with writer Curt Pires to dive deep into his unique storytelling approach and his latest projects. We explore the creative inspirations behind Olympia, a deeply personal and emotional story, and Indigo Children, a high-concept sci-fi thriller. Curt shares insights into his writing process, the importance of strong design in his books, and how he collaborates with artists to bring his visions to life. Plus, we discuss his upcoming series Lost Fantasy and what fans can expect from his latest venture. If you're a fan of bold, thought-provoking comics, this episode is a must-listen!

This week on Let's Talk Comics, writer Aubrey Sitterson joins the show to talk about his Image Comics debut, Free Planet (with artist Jed Dougherty).

Free Planet isn't just another space opera comic,  it's a story about freedom and the sacrifices it demands. Aubrey breaks down how the book came together, what drives its message, and why joy, anger, and hope can all live on the same page.

We also talk about his path from working as an editor to writing creator-owned books and how his ideology shows up in every story he tells.

If you're into comics that challenge the status quo while delivering big action and even bigger ideas, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.

Free Planet hits shelves on May 7th,  be sure to pre-order through your local comic shop!

In this episode of Let's Talk Comics, Jim Viscardi sits down with Eisner-winning artist and writer Michael Walsh to dive into his ever-evolving career and the creator-owned magic he's making at Image Comics. From the genre-defining horror anthology The Silver Coin to the blood-soaked thrill ride that is Exquisite Corpses, Walsh has emerged as one of comics' most versatile and visionary storytellers.

We go deep on:

• How The Silver Coin was built to showcase an artist-led shared universe

• Why creator-owned work changed his approach to storytelling—and his career

• The design-driven process behind Exquisite Corpses and its killer lineup

• His collaborative process with James Tynion IV and building comics like a writer's room

• Lessons learned from both indie and work-for-hire comics

• And what's next on the horizon

Whether you're a fan of horror comics, a creator trying to find your voice, or just love hearing how great books get made, this one's for you.

In this episode, Ryan Ottley dives into the return of Battle Beast and what makes the character tick. Spoiler, it's mythic rage, tragic purpose, and a relentless hunger for meaning through combat. We talk about how the project came together, how it expands the Invincible universe into bold new genres, and why this might be Ottley's most personal work yet.

We also dig into his long-running friendship with Robert Kirkman, what it's like building a visual language for ultraviolence with emotional weight, and how deadlines, design shortcuts, and sheer storytelling instinct shaped his approach over the years. Plus: behind-the-scenes on those 1-in-2000 sketches, his time on Spider-Man, and how the Invincible TV series opened the floodgates.

Whether you're an old-school fan or new to the world of Ryan Ottley, this is a good one.

Chris Condon joins the show to talk about his new Image Comics series News from the Fallout which is a black-and-white sci-fi horror epic set during a nuclear test gone wrong in 1960s Nevada. We dive deep into how the book evolved over a decade, why he wanted Jeffrey Alan Love on art, and what it means to build a comic that feels more like a surreal experience than a traditional genre piece.

We also rewind to Chris's early days breaking into comics with That Texas Blood, how he randomly found Jacob Phillips through a failed film pitch, and how their creative partnership helped shape one of the most compelling releases in years. From American myth to Night of the Living Dead, this one covers a lot.

News from the Fallout hits shops June 25.
Explore the world of the book: newsfromthefallout.com

If you enjoy the episode, leave a review, share it on social, and tag us—we love seeing the conversation keep going.

In this episode of Let's Talk Comics, Maytal Zchut joins the show. Maytal is the writer of the powerful one-shot Devour and the upcoming miniseries Sisterhood from our friends over at Ghost Machine. Maytal opens up about her jump from television writing to comics, the deeply personal roots behind her stories, and what it's like learning a new medium while writing emotionally resonant horror in the creator-owned space. We dig into collaboration, character building, writing through tough days, and what it means to feel seen...both as a creator and a reader. Enjoy!

David Marquez joins Let's Talk Comics to talk about The Unchosen, his first creator-owned book at Image Comics, and his debut as both writer and artist. We dig into the book's post-apocalyptic setting, its personal and philosophical roots, and how years of working with writers at Marvel & DC helped prepare him for this next chapter. From wild action to deeper emotional themes, this is the full David Marquez experience.

Writer Si Spurrier joins Let's Talk Comics to talk about his new Image series The Voice Said Kill, a gritty, surreal crime story set deep in the Louisiana bayou. We get into the challenges of switching back and forth from work-for-hire to creator-owned, what it takes to build a story that sticks with readers, and how the right artist can completely change how a book feels. We also dig into Step by Bloody Step, how writing a silent comic pushed his process in new directions, and why he keeps chasing stories that feel a little risky. This one's a deep dive into trust, craft, and making comics that leave a mark.

Legendary comic book artist David Finch joins Let's Talk Comics to talk about his long-awaited new project with Robert Kirkman, Skinbreaker. We dig into how the project came together, what it's like building a brand-new world from the ground up, and the challenges (and rewards) of working in an oversized format. David also shares stories from his early days at Top Cow, his evolution through Marvel and DC, lessons from working with other writers, and how discipline has fueled his decades-long career. If you're excited for FInch's next big chapter with Skinbreaker, this is a must-listen episode! 

More information on SKINBREAKER: https://imagecomics.com/press-releases/comics-icons-robert-kirkman-david-finch-announce-new-action-series-skinbreaker


What is SKINBREAKER: Enor has led his tribe for many seasons, but his time as Chieftan is coming to an end. He wields the mighty SKINBREAKER, but at his age, he can barely lift it. Will Enor's reluctant heir, Anok, take over before their world falls to ruin? As a bloody power struggle begins, an even bigger threat lurks in the darkness beyond their village.

Fan favorite writer James Tynion IV joins the Let's Talk Comics podcast to celebrate five years of The Department of Truth, his critically acclaimed Image Comics series with artist Martin Simmonds. We dig into James' origin story breaking into comics with Scott Snyder, to launching The Department of Truth in 2020 and so much more.

James takes us behind the scenes of the brand-new Department of Truth #0, a perfect new reader friendly entry point for the series that redefines the stakes, and introduces new characters. Plus, we talk about the Elvis Presley backup story written by Scott Snyder with art by Joshua Hixson, the legacy of the Marilyn Monroe arc, and the most unforgettable conspiracies tackled in the series. The Flat Earth, Hollow Earth, and Bigfoot stories all get touched on in this one.

Whether you're a longtime Department of Truth reader or brand new to the series, this episode is your guide to one of the most talked-about creator-owned comics of the last decade.

Artist Jacob Phillips (That Texas Blood, The Enfield Gang Massacre, Newburn) joins Let's Talk Comics to talk about his brand-new horror western, Everything Dead & Dying, co-created with writer Tate Brombal and coming this fall from Image Comics.

We dig into Jacob's unexpected path into comics, how early "just another illustration job" gigs turned into a career, and what it takes to build a believable world. Like the guy built a 3D model before drawing page one! Jacob opens up about working with Tate, balancing gore with emotional storytelling, and why this isn't your typical zombie book.

If you like The Walking Dead, Yellowstone, or just want to see a fresh take on the undead, this is one you won't want to miss.

Jason Fabok joins the show to talk all things ROOK: EXODUS. You've seen his cinematic, larger-than-life art on Justice League and Batman: Three Jokers, but now, as part of Ghost Machine, he's building something original and massive. We dig into his journey, his partnership with Geoff Johns, the worldbuilding and fan reaction to the first arc, and what's coming in the second as the series expands with new characters, darker turns, and even bigger stakes.

Frank Barbiere first turned heads at Image Comics with Five Ghosts, and now he's back with his most ambitious series yet, The Author Immortal. We dive into Frank's path from breaking in at Image to making the jump into video games, how those experiences shaped his writing today, and why this new metafictional fantasy is the story he's been building toward for years. 

Kieron Gillen makes his long-awaited debut on Let's Talk Comics and we go all in. We cover everything from breaking into the industry with Phonogram to redefining pop mythology in The Wicked + The Divine, to the return of DIE and the unexpected turns of The Power Fantasy. We also dig into his Image journey, what he carried over from his Marvel years, and how working with powerhouse artists like Jamie McKelvie, Stephanie Hans, and Caspar Wijngaard has shaped the stories fans can't stop talking about. If you want Gillen at his most candid, this one's it.

On this episode of Let's Talk Comics, I sit down with the one and only Jordie Bellaire, winner of all the awards, colorist of some of the most talked about books of the last decade, and the writer who set the world on fire with Redlands. We dig into her early Image Comics days on books like Pretty Deadly and Nowhere Men, talk about what it takes to keep leveling up, and break down how she made the leap from coloring to writing. And of course, we get into Exquisite Corpses. This one has all the laughs and is full of deep insight and plenty of process. 

Rob Liefeld changed comics forever when Youngblood hit in 1992, and now, more than 30 years later, he's back writing and drawing the book that helped define the Image Comics revolution. We dig into what Youngblood meant then, why it still matters today, and how it feels to bring the team back home to Image. Rob opens up about process, independence, legacy, and the raw creative energy that made Youngblood a phenomenon, and why the same spirit is driving a new generation of creators right now.

In this episode of Let's Talk Comics, we sit down Tyler Kirkham to talk about his path from small-town Utah to the Top Cow bullpen, breaking into comics right out of high school, and leveling up into a powerhouse career with DC and Marvel. Tyler opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped him, how he rebuilt his creative process after burnout, and what inspired him to go all-in on Final Boss, his high-octane, video game-fueled project at Image Comics.

Writer Ryan Parrott (Rogue Sun, Power Rangers, Revolution) joins the show to talk about his wild career path, from film school to Bad Robot to Image Comics. We dive into breaking into Hollywood, finding your voice as a storyteller, and how collaboration shaped the Massive-Verse. Ryan shares the origins of Rogue Sun, the magic of working with artist Abel, and how a chance conversation with Todd McFarlane led to the unthinkable, writing Medieval Spawn.