Ditkoverse publications are here: http://www.igg.me/at/ditkoverse1

Alex Grand speaks with Steve Ditko’s nephew, Mark Ditko, and longtime Ditko collaborator Mort Todd about their DitkoVerse publishing venture, a project dedicated to “remastering” and re-presenting classic Steve Ditko stories in high-quality editions . They describe their upcoming Indiegogo campaign, which kicks off a broader plan to keep Ditko’s independent work in continuous print leading up to what would have been his 100th birthday in 2027. The initial releases include Mister A—relettered and published in color for the first time—along with Fantastic Giants (featuring Charlton monster stories), Static (a superhero title), and a revised edition of Avenging World, Ditko’s philosophical opus. Mort Todd, who worked with Ditko as far back as the mid-1980s, explains the painstaking restoration process—cleaning up original black-and-white artwork, recoloring, and updating lettering in a way that stays faithful to Ditko’s intent. Mark emphasizes that the family’s focus is on honoring Steve Ditko’s desire to keep his work available and of high quality. The interview also touches on personal anecdotes—such as Ditko’s private yet supportive nature—and highlights their shared commitment: all funds raised will go directly into producing and distributing further reprints and unreleased material so future generations can appreciate Ditko’s unique blend of storytelling, philosophy, and artistry.

00:00 Intro and greetings
00:28 Settlement with Disney
01:01 Receiving Legend Award
02:15 Launching DitkoVerse Project
03:46 Mort Todd involvement
05:02 Why use Indiegogo
11:00 Exclusive fan rewards
11:37 Starting titles lineup
14:00 Avenging World spotlight
15:37 Restoration process details
16:16 Balancing family legacy
19:16 Beyond Marvel overview
22:43 Editorial approach discussion
28:00 Social media impact
31:00 Mort Todd anecdote
35:02 Mark Ditko anecdote
40:05 Indiegogo campaign info
01:00:48 Wrap up thoughts
01:03:00 End of interview

My book, Understanding Superhero Comic Books available at https://a.co/d/iIE3fWH .

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David Armstrong interviewed Golden Age great and Graphic Novelist, Will Eisner in 1997 on set at San Diego Comic Con about the early history of comic books, comic strip reprints, his entry into comics, WOW What A Magazine!, his partnership with Jerry Iger, the growing concept of early comic books with original material, starting the Eisner and Iger shop, partnering with Everett M. Arnold at Quality Comics on the Spirit Newspaper Insert, departing the Iger shop, serving in World War 2, its effect on his storytelling and starting PS Magazine. Interview conducted, recorded and copyrighted to David Armstrong. Remastered, edited, timestamped and postproduction by Alex Grand.

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Alex Grand & Filippo Marzo interview Jerry Ordway for an hour in a co-interview process where the english version is here at Comic Book Historians, and the italian version is at Comics Reporter. Jerry is asked about his DC Comics career highlights from the 1980s through the 2000s with All-Star Squadron and Infinity Inc with Roy Thomas, Crisis on Infinite Earths with George Perez, Adventures of Superman with Marv Wolfman and John Byrne, artist for the 1989 Batman Film adaptation, his writer-artist period with Superman and Power of Shazam, co-creating Wildstar with Al Gordon, Zero Hour with Dan Jurgens, Tom Strong with Alan Moore and Just Imagine with Stan Lee.

©Comic Book Historians, LLC.

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Alex Grand and co-host Jim Thompson interview Bob Hall part 2, from his early days as a comic reader, his University education in Theatre, his turned in first work for Charlton Comics, studying at the John Buscema Comic Art School, getting into Marvel under editor Archie Goodwin, then under new editor-in-chief Jim Shooter, the Yellowjacket Wasp story, Squadron Supreme with Mark Gruenwald, co-creating West Coast Avengers, Emperor Doom, Valiant Comics, Future Comics, his Joker graphic series for DC, and his modern theatre work. Edited & Produced by Alex Grand.

#Avengers #SquadronSupreme #Valiant #Marvel

© 2021 Comic Book Historians

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Craig Yoe’s biographical interview highlights his creative journey through personal struggles and reinvention, who transforms adversity into creativity while remaining true to his innovative spirit. He discusses his graphic novel Woman & Man+, a psychedelic reflection on leaving the U.S., a painful divorce, and using art therapy to rebuild his life. Raised in the Midwest, Yoe credits his parents for encouraging his creativity, with influences like Carl Barks, Marvel Comics, Steve Ditko, and Robert Crumb. Yoe’s 1960s anti-war activism, through protests and underground newspapers, reflected his pacifist values despite cultural losses like the deaths of Hendrix and Joplin. In the 1970s, he embraced the Jesus People movement, blending communal living, spiritual exploration, and work on Christian newspapers with artists like Rick Griffin. He oversaw David C. Cooke Bible and Life Pix comics before moving into toy design with Sid Diamond Toy Company and Marvin Glass toymakers. Yoe later became Creative Director for Jim Henson’s Muppets and founded Yoe Studio, building a decades-long career in design and storytelling. His publishing imprint, Yoe Books, has produced award-winning works celebrating comics history and pop culture.

Yoe's new Graphic Novel found at Clover Press.

Interview ©2024 Comic Book Historians LLC

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Alex Grand and co-host Jim Thompson interview Bob Hall, from his early days as a comic reader, his University education in Theatre, his turned in first work for Charlton Comics, studying at the John Buscema Comic Art School, getting into Marvel under editor Archie Goodwin, then under new editor-in-chief Jim Shooter, the Yellowjacket Wasp story, Squadron Supreme with Mark Gruenwald, co-creating West Coast Avengers, Emperor Doom, Valiant Comics, Future Comics, his Joker graphic series for DC, and his modern theatre work. Edited & Produced by Alex Grand.

#Avengers #SquadronSupreme #Valiant #Marvel

© 2021 Comic Book Historians

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In today's special episode, Alex Grand and Bill Field delve into a fascinating phone conversation from August 27, 1994, between comic book historian and writer, Steve Ringgenberg and the legendary fantasy artist Frank Frazetta. Steve Ringgenberg, known for his deep knowledge and contributions to the comic book industry, chats with Frazetta about his then-upcoming projects and his return to comics, albeit in a supervisory role.

Frank Frazetta, whose "Death Dealer" paintings have left a strong mark on the fantasy genre, shares insights into his collaboration with Glenn Danzig and Simon Bisley for Verotik comics. They discuss Frazetta’s transition from comics to painting, his influence on the sword and sorcery genre, and his unique approach to creativity in art that continues to inspire artists worldwide.

The conversation also touches on Frazetta's frustrations with creating statues, particularly his experiences working with Randy Bowen and the challenges of capturing the three-dimensionality well from all angles. Additionally, Frazetta reflects on his collaboration with Ralph Bakshi on the animated film "Fire and Ice," discussing his contributions to character creation and action scenes. Frazetta also expresses his frustration with the high art world for looking down on comic artists, despite their significant contributions to visual arts. Join us as we explore this rare and candid exchange, shedding light on the creative genius of Frank Frazetta and his impact on the world of fantasy art.

Frazetta interview ©1994 Steve Ringgenberg

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Alex Grand interviewed Rob Liefeld for the Comic Book Historians Podcast, a key figure in the revolution of comic books in the 1990s, known for his intense storytelling and artistic impact. The conversation focuses on Liefeld’s approach to comics, particularly his efforts to inject fun and boldness into his work, drawing inspiration from his inner child and childhood influences like Jack Kirby. Liefeld discusses how his passion for comics is reflected in his art, sharing anecdotes about his career, including his influence on the creation of X-Force and characters like Deadpool, emphasizing his commitment to staying true to the excitement and action-packed style of classic comic books. Additionally, he shares thoughts on the challenges he faced working in the industry, his interactions with other iconic figures, and the enduring appeal of action-driven, visually dynamic storytelling.

#xforce #deadpool #wolverine #robliefeld #newmutants #xmen #weaponx #youngblood #cannonball

©2024 Comic Book Historians

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