The Writers Block

A weekly post-con-style roundtable romp with some of the most outspoken (yet still employed) creators in comics. Show biz war stories. State of the comic union. Furious debates over ‘80s televisions shows. Great lobster bisque recipes. Something for everybody.

We have voluntarily self-rated this production as PG-13. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Listen to the preview trailer!

Also available on YouTube if you'd prefer to see everyone's lovely faces!

About The Show

YOUR HOSTS:

DAVID AVALLONE
David has kicked around Hollywood for over thirty years and still has some of his sanity left. In 2014, after a long career spent mostly in indie films, he started writing comics. He's mostly known for writing pulp heroes like VAMPIRELLA, THE SHADOW, DOC SAVAGE, ZORRO and creating kick-ass comic adventures for real world icons BETTIE PAGE and ELVIRA, MISTRESS OF THE DARK. He's particularly proud of his original comics, DRAWING BLOOD and RADICALLY REARRANGED RONIN RAGDOLLS, co-created with some nobody named Kevin (coughTMNTcough) Eastman. He is the second best-dresssed man in comics, which might be a pretty low bar.
Twitter: @DAvallone
Instagram: @DavidAvalloneFreelance
Website: davidavallonefreelance.com
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2EEiRzf
Comixology: https://www.comixology.com/David-Avallone/comics-creator/42762

RYLEND GRANT
Rylend has been a working screenwriter in Hollywood for 15 years, developing film and television projects with folks like JJ Abrams, Ridley Scott, Luc Besson, John Woo, Justin Lin, and F. Gary Gray. He is the Ringo Award-winning creator of comic books like ABERRANT, BANJAX, THE JUMP, and THE PEACEKEEPERS. He is an ordained Soto Zen Buddhist monk in the lineage of Brad Warner and Gudo Nishijima. He once taught Mike Tyson how to meditate.
Twitter: @rylendgrant
Instagram: @rylendgrant
Linktree: linktr.ee/rylendgrant
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3hNfXWY
Comixology: https://www.comixology.com/Rylend-Grant/comics-creator/176093

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Episode Archive

Felipe Cagno

Episode Number: 126

Rylend and David talk with writer Felipe Cagno about the evolution of his Kickstarter mega hit THE FEW AND THE CURSED and his all-too-familiar transition from film to comics.

Episode download: TWB126.mp3

FELIP CAGNO
Instagram: @felipecagno

GET THE FEW AND THE CURSED ON KICKSTARTER NOW: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/felipecagno/the-few-and-cursed

Release Date: March 5, 2026

Run Time: 1:19:04
Layne Morgan

Episode Number: 125

Rylend and David talk with TV writer Layne Morgan (CW’s LEGACIES) about transitioning into comic book writing/prepping her first release with Charlie Stickney’s White Ash Comics, and Rylend explains why he don't want no scrubs.

Episode download: TWB125.mp3

LAYNE MORGAN
Instagram: @laynemorgan
Twitter: @laynemorgan

GET GLARIEN AND THANE VOL 1 ON KICKSTARTER NOW: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thegamecomic/glarien-and-thane

Release Date: February 19

Run Time: 1:30:47
Studio Skye-Tiger’s Ray Anthony Height

Episode Number: 124

Rylend and David talk with Studio Skye-Tiger honcho Ray Anthony-Height about his decision to walk away from the big two to go into business for himself.

Episode download: TWB124.mp3

RAY ANTHONY HEIGHT
Instagram: @raheightcomics
Twitter: @raheight
Website: http://www.studioskyetiger.com

Release Date: January 29, 2025

Run Time: 1:39:16
Barbra Dillon, Charlie Stickney, and Richard Fairgray

Episode Number: 123

Rylend and David talk with Fanbase Press honcho Barbra Dillon, WHITE ASH creator Charlie Stickney, and cartoonist Richard Fairgray about a turbulent 2024 and the hope that 2025 brings. Also… Richard writes, draws, colors, and letters 17 comic book pages in the 90 minutes he’s being recorded. It’s a slow day for him.

Episode download: TWB123.mp3

BARBRA DILLON
Twitter: @barbrajdillon
Instagram: @barbrajdillon

FANBASE PRESS
Twitter: @Fanbase_Press
Instagram: @fanbasepress
Website: fanbasepress.com

RICHARD FAIRGRAY
Twitter: @RichardFairgray
Instagram: @richardfairgrayauthor
Website: richardfairgray.com

CHARLIE STICKNEY
Twitter: @charlesstickney
Instagram: @whiteashcomics
Website: whiteashcomic.com

Release Date: January 8, 2025

Run Time: 1:26:20
Lily and Generoso Fierro

Episode Number: 122

Rylend and David talk with Lily and Generoso Fierro about their Ignatz-nominated indy comic efforts - like INVERSION and ABSOLUTE SIMULTANEITY - and about what a comic book can and should be.

Episode download: TWB122.mp3

LILY & GENEROSO FIERRO
Twitter: @plasticgrapes99
Instagram: @plasticgrapes
Website: linktr.ee/plasticgrapes

Release Date: November 13, 2024

Run Time: 1:25:29
Rob Multari

Episode Number: 121

Rylend and David talk with NIGHT WOLF creator Rob Multari about building a mega brand on the Kickstarter platform… and Rylend goes almost 55 minutes without mentioning MIAMI VICE.

Episode download: TWB121.mp3

ROB MULTARI
Twitter: @RobMultari
Instagram: @RobMultari

LONEWOLF COMICS
Twitter: @LoneWolfComics
Instagram: @lonewolfcomics
Website: lonewolfcomics.com
CHECK OUT NIGHT WOLF ON KICKSTARTER NOW: nightwolf.lonewolfcomics.com

Release Date: October 23, 2024

Run Time: 1:42:57
Shannon Wheeler and Richard Fairgray

Episode Number: 120

Rylend and David talk with Eisner/Inkpot-winner Shannon Wheeler (TOO MUCH COFFEE MAN) and GLAAD Award-winner Richard Fairgray (EX-WIVES OF FRANKENSTEIN) about the evolution (and de-evolution) of cartooning, about process, and about moving one’s business onto kickstarter.

Episode download: TWB120.mp3

SHANNON WHEELER
Twitter: @MuchCoffee
Instagram: @muchcoffeeman
Website: https://linktr.ee/ShannonLeoWheeler

RICHARD FAIRGRAY
Twitter: @RichardFairgray
Instagram: @richardfairgrayauthor
Website: richardfairgray.com

Release Date: October 16, 2024

Run Time: 1:45:59
Adam Rose

Episode Number: 119

Rylend and David talk with writer Adam Rose about his new Titan Comics release HUGE DETECTIVE… and without really meaning to, the gang does a very deep dive on IP/Rights issues.

Episode download: TWB119.mp3

ADAM ROSE
Twitter: @adamrose74
Instagram: @shazamcap
Website: adamharryrose.com

Release Date: October 9, 2024

Run Time: 1:11:05
Deece Casillas

Episode Number: 118

Rylend and David talk with stand-up comedian Deece Casillas about his journey into comics and his new book KILL STAN… and Rylend waxes poetic about the power of cultivating a “beginners mind” in any creative endeavor.

Episode download: TWB118.mp3

DEECE CASILLAS
Twitter: @deececomedy
Instagram: @deece.comedy
Website: DeeceComedy.com

CHECK OUT KILL STAN ON KICKSTARTER: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/killstan/kill-stan

Release Date: October 2, 2024

Run Time: 1:23:33
Global Comix’s Eric Tapper

Episode Number: 117

Rylend and David talk with Global Comix’s Head of Business Development Eric Tapper about fanbase building and where digital publishing is heading is headed in the wake of the Comixology collapse.

SPECIAL OFFER FROM GLOBAL COMIX: The first 25 listeners to use this link or code will get 1 week of free reading on Global Comix. Claimable until midnight on October 17th, 2024.

https://globalcomix.com/claim/TWDSEP2024

CODE: TWDSEP2024

Episode download: TWB114.mp3

ERIC TAPPER
Twitter: @ericmtapper
Instagram: @ericmtapper
Website: linktr.ee/thecafeopenmic

GLOBAL COMIX
Twitter: @globalcomix
Instagram: @globalcomix
Website: https://globalcomix.com/

Release Date: September 26, 2024

Run Time: 1:13:32
Shawn Hainsworth

Episode Number: 116

Rylend and David talk with writer/filmmaker Shawn Hainsworth about his SHP Comics imprint and his latest comic shop releases, THE KILLING MACHINE and WOODSTAKE. Rylend battles COVID. David battles a sudden urge to tap dance.

Episode download: TWB116.mp3

SHAWN HAINSWORTH
Twitter: @SHP_Comics
Instagram: @shpcomics
Website: linkin.bio/shpcomics/

Release Date: September 18, 2024

Run Time: 1:12:52
Giulie Speziani

Episode Number: 115

Rylend and David talk candidly with writer Giulie Speziani about what makes a story personal and meaningful, and about her upcoming Chispa/Simon & Shuster release THANKS! ROMINA.

Episode download: TWB115.mp3

GIULIE SPEZIANI
Instagram: @giuliespeziani
Website: gingerrabbitstudio.com

Release Date: September 4, 2024

Run Time: 1:13:55
Everybody PANICK with Kris Longo!

Episode Number: 114

Rylend and David talk with comic industry veteran Kris Longo about his exciting new horror and sci-fi genre publishing company, Panick Entertainment… and do a predictable all-too-deep dive on MIAMI VICE actor Don Johnson’s musical stylings.

Episode download: TWB114.mp3

KRIS LONGO
Twitter: @krislongo
Instagram: @kris_longo
Website: linktr.ee/krislongo

PANICK ENTERTAINMENT
Twitter: @TimeToPanick
Instagram: @time.to.panick
Website: linktr.ee/timetopanick

Get your PANICK Primer Pack on Zoom: https://zoop.gg/c/timetopanick

Release Date: August 28, 2024

Run Time: 1:16:22
SDCC Career Paths Panel

Episode Number: 113

Live from SDCC 2024! Rylend and David chat with Amanda Deibert-Staggs, Corrina Bechko, Rich Douek, and Trevor Fernandes-Lenkiewicz about career paths… the ins and out, the highs and lows, of a life spent making comics.

Episode download: TWB113.mp3

AMANDA DEIBERT
Twitter: @amandadeibert
Instagram: @amandadeibertofficial
Website: amandadeibert.com

RICH DOUEK
Twitter: @rdouek
Instagram: @rdouek
Website: linktr.ee/rdouek

CORINNA BECHKO
Instagram: @corinnabechko
Twitter: @CorinnaBechko
Website: linktr.ee/corinnabechko

TREVOR FERNANDES-LENKIEWICZ
Instagram: @tfl_writes
Twitter: @PWatchPres
Website: linktr.ee/PocketWatchPress

Release Date: August 21, 2024

Run Time: 53:24
SDCC Editors Panel

Episode Number: 112

Live from SDCC 2024! Rylend and David chat with Barbra Dillon (EIC of Fanbase Press) and Joseph Rybandt (editorial director at Dynamite Entertainment) about the current state of the comic book union, looking to answer the question once and for all, "What are editors at the biggest/baddest publishers looking for?"

Episode download: TWB112.mp3

BARBRA DILLON
Twitter: @barbrajdillon
Instagram: @barbrajdillon

FANBASE PRESS
Twitter: @Fanbase_Press
Instagram: @fanbasepress
Website: fanbasepress.com

JOSEPH RYBANDT
Instagram: @jrybandt
Twitter: @DynamiteComics
Website: dynamite.com

Release Date: August 14, 2024

Run Time: 50:39
Dave Dwonch

Episode Number: 111

Rylend and David chat with Jenny Zero writer Dave Dwonch about what makes a contract “good” and what traditional comic publishers may or may not have to offer creators these days. Also… Rylend and Dave kind of finally talk about the thing that everyone has really wanted them to talk about for a long while but maybe haven’t quite until now.

Episode download: TWB111.mp3

DAVE DWONCH
Twitter: @davedwonch
Instagram: @davedwonch
Website: linktr.ee/OutOfMyMind

Release Date: June 26, 2024

Run Time: 1:30:25
Chris Ryall

Episode Number: 110

Rylend and David intended to have one of their standard “state of the comic union” discussions with Syzygy Publishing co-founder Chris Ryall, but - as happens with great guests - ended up with something much more fun, layered, and nuanced in the end. Special appearances by Cassandra Peterson, Syd Field, and Tyrese and Ludacris.

Episode download: TWB110.mp3

CHRIS RYALL
Twitter: @chris_ryall
Instagram: @chris_ryall
Website: worldofsyzygy.com
Website: chrisryall.substack.com

Release Date: June 19. 2024

Run Time: 1:16:53
Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum

Episode Number: 109

Rylend and David talk with Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K. creators/showrunners Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum about their MINOR THREATS comic book universe… Patton and Rylend get through the broadcast - despite being woefully under the weather - by pounding gogol mogol and judiciously using the mute button.

Episode download: TWB109.mp3

PATTON OSWALT
Twitter: @pattonoswalt
Instagram: @pattonoswalt
Website: pattonoswalt.com

JORDAN BLUM
Twitter: @BlumJordan
Instagram: @BlumJordan

Release Date: June 12, 2024

Run Time: 1:02:16
Kickstarter State of the Union

Episode Number: 108

Rylend and David talk with Kickstarter mainstays Charlie Stickney (WHITE ASH COMICS), Richard Fairgray (THE EX-WIVES OF FRANKENSTEIN), and Steven Prince (MONSTER MATADOR) about the current state of the platform’s union… and after spending an 90-minutes admiring David and Richard’s rather prominent cookie dusters, Rylend seriously considers growing a mustache.

Episode download: TWB108.mp3

RICHARD FAIRGRAY
Twitter: @RichardFairgray
Instagram: @richardfairgrayauthor
Website: richardfairgray.com

CHARLIE STICKNEY
Twitter: @charlesstickney
Instagram: @whiteashcomics
Website: whiteashcomic.com

STEVEN PRINCE
Twitter: @monstermatador
Instagram: @monstermatador

Release Date: June 5, 2024

Run Time: 1:35:07
Rich Douek

Episode Number: 107

Rylend and David talk with Bram Stoker Award-nominated comic writer Rich Douek (HEARTPIERCER, MECHAGODZILLA) about the topsy-turvy state of publishing in the wake of the pandemic/the writer’s strike/the streaming collapse/et al… and after a short, cryptic rant about some time spent with Director Simon West years back, Rylend leaves mid-show to watch a CON AIR/THE ROCK double feature.

Episode download: TWB107.mp3

RICH DOUEK
Twitter: @rdouek
Instagram: @rdouek
Website: linktr.ee/rdouek

Release Date: May 29, 2024

Run Time: 1:17:15
Comic Book Law with Gamal Hennessy

Episode Number: 106

Rylend and David talk with comic book attorney and business consultant Gamal Hennessy about incorporation and the ins and outs of creator contracts.

Episode download: TWB106.mp3

GAMAL HENNESSY
Twitter: @gamalhennessy
Instagram: @gamalhennessy
Website: creativecontractconsulting.com

Release Date: April 24, 2024

Run Time: 59:55
Working in Comics and Film Panel from WonderCon

Episode Number: 105

Live from WonderCon ’24, David and Rylend chat with Rob Kutner (Snot Goblins, Scott Lang: Look Out for the Little Guy, Conan O’Brien) and Tim Sheridan (Alan Scott: The Green Lantern, Masters of the Universe: Revolution) about their experiences working professionally in both film/TV and comics.

Episode download: TWB105.mp3

ROB KUTNER
Twitter: @ApocalypseHow
Instagram: @robkutner
Website: robkutner.com

TIM SHERIDAN
Instagram: @ilovetimsheridan
Website: timsheridan.com

Release Date: April 17, 2024

Run Time: 47:03
Where’s the Front Door? Panel from WonderCon

Episode Number: 104

Live from WonderCon ’24, David and Rylend chat with a gang of seasoned comic professionals - David Booher (CANTO), David Pepose (PUNISHER), and Jessica Maison (MARY SHELLY’S SCHOOL FOR MONSTERS) - about how they broke into comics.

Episode download: TWB104.mp3

DAVID M. BOOHER
Twitter: @davidbooher
Instagram: @davidmbooher
Website: https://davidbooher.com

DAVID PEPOSE
Twitter: @Peposed
Instagram: @Peposed
Website: linktr.ee/peposed

JESSICA MAISON
Twitter: @jessistarjudd
Instagram: @dandelion451
Website: substack.com/@jessicamaison
Website: wickedtreepress.com

Release Date: April 10, 2024

Run Time: 50:13
Jessica Maison

Episode Number: 103

David and Rylend chat with author/comic creator Jessica Maison (MARY SHELLY’S SCHOOL FOR MONSTERS) about their shared film business roots, strategies for communicating effectively with collaborators, and the looming AI threat.

Episode download: TWB103.mp3

JESSICA MAISON
Twitter: @jessistarjudd
Instagram: @dandelion451
Website: substack.com/@jessicamaison
Website: wickedtreepress.com

Release Date: December 13, 2023

Run Time: 1:19:48
Tim Sheridan

Episode Number: 102

David and Rylend sit down with comic/TV/animation writer Tim Sheridan to discuss matters of love and hate, the dangers of tribalism, the mysterious ethnicity of Kahn Noonien Sigh, and to examine his recent masterwork ALAN SCOTT: THE GREEN LANTERN.

Episode download: TWB102.mp3

TIM SHERIDAN
Twitter: @iamtimsheridan
Instagram: @ilovetimsheridan
Website: timsheridan.com

Release Date: December 6, 2023

Run Time: 1:37:05

Main menu

The Writers Block

Episode Archive

Felipe Cagno

Layne Morgan

Studio Skye-Tiger’s Ray Anthony Height

Barbra Dillon, Charlie Stickney, and Richard Fairgray

Lily and Generoso Fierro

Rob Multari

Shannon Wheeler and Richard Fairgray

Adam Rose

Deece Casillas

Global Comix’s Eric Tapper

Shawn Hainsworth

Giulie Speziani

Everybody PANICK with Kris Longo!

SDCC Career Paths Panel

SDCC Editors Panel

Dave Dwonch

Chris Ryall

Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum

Kickstarter State of the Union

Rich Douek

Comic Book Law with Gamal Hennessy

Working in Comics and Film Panel from WonderCon

Where’s the Front Door? Panel from WonderCon

Jessica Maison

Tim Sheridan

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