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!
Episode Archive
Oriana Leckert and Gabe Cheng
Episode Number: 21KICKSTARTER KICKOFF. This week, David and Rylend talk the ins, outs, ups, and downs of Kickstarter campaigning with the platform’s Director of Publishing and Comics Outreach, Oriana Leckert, and creator/Kickstarter veteran Gabe Cheng (INTO THE WILDERNESS). And Rylend starts, in earnest, his quest to amass the largest collection of POINT BREAK VHS tapes (the current, honest-to-God largest collection stands at 102 tapes).
BE SURE TO BACK THE JUMP #2 on Kickstarter!
Episode download: TWB021.mp3
ORIANA LECKERT
Twitter: @orianabklyn
Instagram: @orianabklyn
Website: oriana-leckert.comGABE CHENG
Twitter: @gabechengcomics
Instagram: @gabechengcomics
ANOTHER LOUSY MILLENNIUM Pod: @almpodBe sure to back INTO THE WILDERNESS on Kickstarter!
Release Date: March 24, 2021
Run Time: 1:25:54Aaron Nabus, and Tilly and Susan Bridges
Episode Number: 20PODCAST POW WOW. This week, David and Rylend talk podcasting with Aaron Nabus (Hall H Show) and Tilly and Susan Bridges (Pendant Productions). It’s a podcast where a bunch of podcasters talk about podcasting... and that may very well cause a tear in the space-time continuum. Also, Rylend shares with the group his greatest unfulfilled dream… to get a tattoo of a butt with a butt-shaped tattoo on it… and get it ON his butt.
Episode download: TWB020.mp3
SUSAN BRIDGES
Twitter: @susanlbridges
Instagram: @susanlbridges
Website: pendantaudio.com
Website: birdguest.comTILLY BRIDGES
Twitter: @TillyBridges
Website: pendantaudio.com
Website: birdguest.comAARON NABUS
Twitter: @aaronnabus
Twitter: @HallHdotcom
Instagram: @aaronnabus
Instagram: @HallHdotcom
Website: HallH.comRelease Date: March 17, 2021
Run Time: 1:33:40David Pepose, Christie Shinn, Don Nguyen
Episode Number: 19THE ART OF CON TABLING. This week, David and Rylend talk with Ringo Award-nominated scribe David Pepose (SPENCER and LOCKE, SCOUTS HONOR), DEMON BITCH writer/artist Christie Shinn, and PABLO THE GORILLA creator Don Nguyen about the ins and outs/the DOs, DON’Ts and MIGHT MAYBES of tabling at Comic Conventions… and Avallone finally briefly opens up about the difficult years he spent trapped in cult of savage Jim Nabors enthusiasts in Nome, Alaska.
Episode download: TWB019.mp3
DAVID PEPOSE
Twitter: @Peposed
Instagram: Peposed
Website: linktr.ee/peposedCHRISTIE SHINN
Twitter: @HoraToraStudios
Instagram: @HoraToraStudios
Website: HoraToraStudios.comSUPPORT DEMON BITCH AND OTHER STUPID THINGS: Patreon.com/HoraToraStudios
WHERE TO FOLLOW DEMON BITCH: https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/demon-btch/list?title_no=148964DON NGUYEN
Twitter: @nguyeningit
Instagram: @nguyeningit
Website: NguyeningIt.comRelease Date: March 10, 2021
Run Time: 1:30:07George C. Romero, Stephanie Phillips, and Matt Medney
Episode Number: 18HEAVY METAL RENASCENCE. This week, David and Rylend talk with Heavy Metal CEO Matt Medney and writers George C. Romero (THE RISE, COLD DEAD WAR) and Stephanie Phillips (TARNA, HARLEY QUINN) about reshaping the Heavy Metal Brand for the 21st century… and Rylend finds out the hard way that you can’t tattoo a baby.
Episode download: TWB018.mp3
STEPHANIE PHILLIPS
Twitter: @Steph_Smash
Instagram: @snapcracklesteph
Website: www.stephaniecomics.comGEORGE C. ROMERO
Twitter: @IamGeorgeRomero
Instagram: @indie_brigade
Website: romeropictures.comMATT MEDNEY
Twitter: @matthewmedney
Instagram: @matthewmedney
Website: MATTHEWMEDNEY.comHEAVY METAL MAGAZINE
Twitter: @HeavyMetalInk
Instagram: @heavymetal
Website: heavymetal.comRelease Date: March 3, 2021
Run Time: 1:24:46David Baron and Elisa Wikey
Episode Number: 17CHA-CHA-CHANGES! This week, David (Avallone) and Rylend talk career transitions with Hall of Fame colorist-turned-writer David Baron (various Batman titles, Stained) and acclaimed gallery artist/graphic designer-turned-comic penciler Elisa Wikey (The Cobblestone Chronicles)… and Elisa’s real live goddamn HEDGEHOG makes an appearance… it’s GREAT on video… sincere apologies if you’re listening.
Episode download: TWB017.mp3
DAVID BARON
Twitter: @MyZombies
Instagram: @MyZombiesELISA WIKEY
Twitter: @elisawikey
Instagram: @elisawikeydrawsthings
Website: TinyFramedThings.comCHECK OUT THE COBBLESTONE CHRONICLES HOLIDAY SPECIAL VIA BRAVE NEW WORLD
Release Date: February 24, 2021
Run Time: 1:39:23Jim Higgins, Karla Nappi, and Steven Prince
Episode Number: 16This week, David and Rylend explore the idea of the comic shop as a "community center" and the importance of comic book "how to" classes with educator/former DC Editor Jim Higgins, TV writer/Duplicant scribe Karla Nappi, and Monster Matador creator Steven Prince… and Rylend publicly tells his "I once kept Screech Powers from assaulting someone in the Meltdown parking lot" story for only the 2nd time.
Episode download: TWB016.mp3
JIM HIGGINS
Twitter: @jimhiggins63
Instagram: @jimhiggins63
Website: newsuit.netKARLA NAPPI
Twitter: @musingsbycrazed
Instagram: @musingsbycrazedSTEVEN PRINCE
Twitter: @monstermatador
Instagram: @monstermatador
Website: monstermatador.comRelease Date: February 17, 2021
Run Time: 1:28:15David Pepose and Alex De Campi
Episode Number: 15This week, David & Rylend discuss the ins and outs of publisher deals and Hollywood options with Ringo-nominated comic scribe David Pepose (Scouts Honor, Spencer & Locke) & Eisner nominee Alex De Campi (True War Stories, Bad Girls)… and the group finally definitively determines how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. SPOILER: It’s 364.
Episode download: TWB015.mp3
DAVID PEPOSE
Twitter: @peposed
Instagram: @peposed
Website: linktr.ee/peposedALEX DE CAMPI
Twitter: @alexdecampi
Instagram: @alexdecampi
Website: patreon.com/alexdecampiRelease Date: February 10, 2021
Run Time: 1:23:40Billy Tucci and Steven Peros
Episode Number: 14This week, David & Rylend discuss the finer points of crowdfunding, writerly research, and “truth” in comics/movies with screenwriter/graphic novelist Steven Peros (Stoker & Wells) & 4-time Eisner nominee Billy Tucci (SHI)… and the group wrestles doughtily with a question that has plagued great minds since 1969… who was the better Darrin on Bewitched, York or Sergeant?
Episode download: TWB014.mp3
STEVEN PEROS
Twitter: @StevenGPeros
Instagram: @stevenperos
Website: StevenPeros.com
Stoker & Wells on IGG: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/stoker-wells-order-of-the-golden-dawn#/BILLY TUCCI
Twitter: @BillyTucci
Instagram: @billy_tucci
SHI on IGG: www.indiegogo.com/projects/shi-haikyoRelease Date: February 3, 2021
Run Time: 1:32:42Dave Acosta and Zsombor Huszka
Episode Number: 13THE WRITER/ARTIST RELATIONSHIP. This week, David & Rylend talk collaboration with artists they’ve spent years in the trenches with, Dave Acosta (Elvira, Dragon) & Zsombor Huszka (Aberrant, Orient City)… and the show stops suddenly when the 4-year-old with whom Rylend is quarantined demands help using the “potty.”
Episode download: TWB013.mp3
DAVE ACOSTA
Twitter: @davedrawsgood
Instagram: @davedrawsgood
Website: davedrawsgood.comZSOMBOR HUSZKA
Twitter: @zsomborhuszka
Instagram: @zsomborhuszka
Website: zsomborhuszka.comRelease Date: January 27, 2021
Run Time: 1:37:40Alex Segura and Nancy Collins
Episode Number: 12ACTUALLY WRITING COMICS - PART 1. This week, David and Rylend talk pitching with Eisner-nominated comic scribe Nancy Collins (SWAMP THING) & Archie Comics Co-President/STAR WARS - POE DAMERON: FREE FALL writer Alex Segura... and David tries unsuccessfully to talk Rylend out of shamelessly pitching his Archie-meets-Bubbles-from-THE WIRE one-shot.
Craig Hamilton Emergency Medical Fund Go Fund Me Link: gf.me/u/zcd5pb
Episode download: TWB012.mp3
NANCY COLLINS
Twitter: @nancycollins
Website: https://www.comixology.com/Nancy-Collins/comics-creator/4693ALEX SEGURA
Twitter: @alex_segura
Instagram: @alexsegurajr
Website: alexsegura.comRelease Date: December 23, 2020
Run Time: 1:21:49John Layman and Taylor Esposito
Episode Number: 11MEN OF LETTERS. This week, David and Rylend talk lettering with Eisner-winning comic writer/letterer John Layman (CHEW, Various BATMAN titles) and former DC Staff letterer Taylor Esposito. David reminisces thoughtfully about his filmic salad days, spent ghosting for a legendary exploitation director, and the group decides once and for all if Coke is, in fact, IT.
Episode download: TWB011.mp3
JOHN LAYMAN
Twitter: @themightylaymanTAYLOR ESPOSITO
Twitter: @TaylorEspo
Instagram: @TaylorEspo
Website: www.ghostglyphstudios.comRelease Date: December 16, 2020
Run Time: 1:28:03Chris Cantwell, Ashley V. Robinson and Jason Inman
Episode Number: 10ORIGIN STORIES. Comic book characters have origin stories, obviously... but so do comic book writers. Eisner-nominated comic scribe (DR. DOOM & IRON MAN)/HALT AND CATCH FIRE Showrunner Christopher Cantwell and Ringo-nominated JUPITER JET creators Ashley V. Robinson & Jason Inman discuss their humble beginnings, what inspired them to walk their creative walks. Also, Cantwell reveals that he once almost joined the circus (seriously), Ashley touches briefly on the time she starred in a feminine hygiene commercial, and Rylend waxes lyrically about his time spent selling Kirby vacuum cleaners door-to-door.
Episode download: TWB010.mp3
CHRISTOPHER CANTWELL
Twitter: @ifyoucantwell
Instagram: @ifyoucantwellASHLEY V. ROBINSON
Twitter: @AshleyVRobinson
Instagram: @seanlewis6026
Website: linktr.ee/AshleyVRobinsonJASON INMAN
Twitter: @Jawiin
Instagram: @seanlewis6026
Website: solo.to/jasoninmanCheck out Jason and Ashley’s GEEK HISTORY LESSON Podcast here: https://www.geekhistorylesson.com
Release Date: December 9, 2020
Run Time: 1:30:40Cecil Castellucci and Sean Lewis
Episode Number: 9PLAYING WITH OTHER PEOPLE’S TOYS. This week, David and Rylend are joined by Eisner Nominee Cecil Castellucci (Batgirl) and Superman of Metropolis writer Sean Lewis. The group discusses the finer points of writing iconic comic book characters. Cecil, Sean, and Rylend discover that they all have the same IP agent (whom Avallone also once had lunch with). And Rylend attempts, on air, to leap over his desk in a single bound. SPOILER: It doesn’t work out so well for him... or the desk.
Episode download: TWB009.mp3
CECIL CASTELLUCCI
Twitter: @misscecil
Instagram: @cecilseaskull
Website: cecilcastellucci.comSEAN LEWIS
Twitter: @SeanChrisLewis
Instagram: @seanlewis6026
Website: https://www.littlearkfilms.comRelease Date: November 25, 2020
Run Time: 1:19:12Emily Flake and Lalo Alcraz
Episode Number: 8This week, David and Rylend are joined by New Yorker Cartoonist Emily Flake and Pulitzer Prize finalist Lalo Alcaraz (LA CUCARACHA). The group explores the often thorny intersection of comics and politics and Rylend gleefully discusses the unfettered stupidity of old white men. The episode ends abruptly, however, when Avallone realizes he’s running late for a well-earned romantic getaway with his wife at Four Seasons Total Landscaping.
The A is For Clinic Escorts Series Comic Book Emily edited is available here: https://bit.ly/AIF_ClinicEscorts
Episode download: TWB008.mp3
EMILY FLAKE
Twitter: @EmilyFlake
Instagram: @eflakeagogo
Website: https://www.emilyflake.comLALO ACARAZ
Twitter: @laloalcaraz
Instagram: @laloalcaraz1
Website: https://laloalcaraz.comRelease Date: November 18, 2020
Run Time: 1:05:50Matt Fraction, Stan Sakai, et al.
Episode Number: 7Ringo Awards Riot. This week, David and Rylend are broadcasting from Baltimore Comic Con Live! The dynamic duo is joined by cornucopia of elite creators - Matt Fraction (Sex Criminals), Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo), David Pepose (Spencer and Locke), Drew Edwards (Halloween Man), Troy Little (Rick and Morty vs. Dungeons and Dragons), and IDW Editor Scott Dunbier - to discuss their 2020 Ringo Award nominations. They briefly flirt with the idea of forming a competitive show choir septet, but quickly abandon the scheme once they realize they don’t have a serviceable soprano.
Episode download: TWB007.mp3
MATT FRACTION
Website: https://mattfraction.comSTAN SAKAI
Twitter: @usagiguy
Instagram: @stansakaiSCOTT DUNBIER
Twitter: @sdunbier
Instagram: @sdunbierDAVID PEPOSE
Twitter: @peposed
Instagram: @peposedDREW EDWARDS
Twitter: @halloweenmancom
Instagram: drew_halloweenTROY LITTLE
Twitter: @meanwhilestudio
Instagram: angoranapkinRelease Date: October 28, 2020
Run Time: 58:19Clay Adams and David Schrader
Episode Number: 6CREEPSHOW. This week, David and Rylend are joined by the Nightmare Theatre Anthology co-editors Clay Adams (RED XMAS) and David Schrader (BABY BADASS). With Halloween on the horizon the group talks horror... the good... the bad... the decidedly ugly (hint: it’s Schrader). Also, Rylend says “Candyman” five times while looking in a mirror and the ghost of Regis Philbin appears and sings Baby It’s Cold Outside.
Episode download: TWB006.mp3
CLAY ADAMS
Twitter: @ClaysEvilTwin/@FriedComics
Instagram: @ClaysAdamsFried/@FriedComics
Website: https://friedcomics.comDAVID SCHRADER
Twitter: @Schraderopolis/@thebabybadass
Instagram: @Schraderopolis/@thebabybadass
Website: https://babybadass.comRelease Date: October 21, 2020
Run Time: 1:07:40Amanda Deibert and David M. Booher
Episode Number: 5“A plan is just a list of things that aren’t going to happen.” This week, David and Rylend are joined by He-Man/Wonder Woman scribe Amanda Deibert and Screenwriter/CANTO creator David M. Booher. The group swaps stories about wildly zig-zagging career paths, about lives lived with one foot in the film/TV puddle and the other in the comics toilet, and David takes another shot at disproving Einstein’s theory of relativity... IN SONG!
Episode download: TWB005.mp3
AMANDA DEIBERT
Twitter: @amandadeibert
Instagram: @amandadeibertofficial
Website: https://amandadeibert.comDAVID M. BOOHER
Twitter: @davidbooher
Instagram: @davidmbooher
Website: https://davidbooher.comProduced by Chad Ramsden from Comic Corps
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKT8vwPB3h8hzdKlExfyTuADirected by JB from Discovery Bay Comics
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx5JX0Ld_FI8-qmp9DH8JPwRelease Date: October 14, 2020
Run Time: 1:24:58Lynly Forrest and Charlie Stickney
Episode Number: 4This week, David and Rylend are joined by Scout Comics Co-Publisher Charlie Stickney (creator of WHITE ASH & THE GAME) and Hex Comix Producer/Editor Lynly Forrest. The group discuss the “creator empowerment” era of comics, the rapidly changing comic Kickstarter landscape, and despite David’s strenuous objections, Rylend challenges Rip Torn to an arm wrestling match.
Episode download: TWB004.mp3
LYNLY FORREST
Twitter: @HexComix
Instagram: @HexComix
Website: https://hexcomix.comCHARLIE STICKNEY
Twitter: @CharlesStickney
Instagram: @whiteashcomic
Website: https://whiteashcomic.comProduced by Chad Ramsden from Comic Corps
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKT8vwPB3h8hzdKlExfyTuADirected by JB from Discovery Bay Comics
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx5JX0Ld_FI8-qmp9DH8JPwRelease Date: October 7, 2020
Run Time: 1:19:46Brenda Hickey, Troy Little, and Richard Fairgray
Episode Number: 3Grown-Ups and Kids’ Stuff. This week, David and Rylend are joined by a gaggle of creators - Brenda Hickey (My Little Pony), Troy Little (Rick & Morty), & Richard Fairgray (Blastosaurus) - whom have made comics for adults AND comics for children. The panel discusses what’s different, what’s the same, how you walk that line, and how nervous they typically make their publishers. Also, Richard talks A LOT about poop.
Episode download: TWB003.mp3
RICHARD FAIRGRAY
Twitter: @RichardFairgray
Instagram: @richardfairgrayauthor
Website: https://www.richardfairgray.comTROY LITTLE
Twitter: @meanwhilestudio
Instagram: @angoranapkin
Website: www.pegamoosepress.comBRENDA HICKEY
Twitter: @CrazyAry
Instagram: @brenda_e_hickey
Website: brendahickeycomics.comProduced by Chad Ramsden from Comic Corps
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKT8vwPB3h8hzdKlExfyTuADirected by JB from Discovery Bay Comics
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx5JX0Ld_FI8-qmp9DH8JPwRelease Date: September 30, 2020
Run Time: 1:22:24Kevin Eastman and Barbra Dillon
Episode Number: 2Publisher Pow-wow. This week, David and Rylend are joined by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator/Heavy Metal Magazine Publisher Kevin Eastman and Fanbase Press EIC Barbra Dillon. The group discuss the rapidly changing comics publishing landscape, David tells a few amazing Andy Sidaris stories, and Kevin refers to Rylend as “Leland” for most of the episode.
Episode download: TWB002.mp3
KEVIN EASTMAN
Twitter: @kevineastman86
Instagram: @kevineastmantmnt
Website: https://fan.kevineastmanstudios.comBARBRA DILLON
Twitter: @barbrajdillon/@Fanbase_Press
Instagram: @barbrajdillon/@fanbasepress
Website: http://fanbasepress.comProduced by Chad Ramsden from Comic Corps
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKT8vwPB3h8hzdKlExfyTuADirected by JB from Discovery Bay Comics
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx5JX0Ld_FI8-qmp9DH8JPwRelease Date: September 23, 2020
Run Time: 1:22:50State of the Union, with David F. Walker and Erica Schultz
Episode Number: 1David and Rylend are joined by Eisner-nominated writer David F. Walker (BITTER ROOT, NAOMI) and Ringo Award-nominated writer Erica Schultz (DAREDEVIL, FORGOTTEN HOME). The group explores the new comic “normal” in the time of COVID, David does not one, but TWO acappella renditions of Ave Maria, and WAY too much time is spent appreciating Erica’s absurdly luxurious hair.
Episode download: TWB001.mp3
DAVID F. WALKER
Twitter: @DavidWalker1201
Instagram: @mofoman68
Website: davidfwalker.comERICA SCHULTZ
Twitter: @EricaSchultz42
Instagram: @ericaschultzwrites
Website: ericaschultzwrites.comRelease Date: September 9, 2020
Run Time: 1:03:00