Episode 68: Alex Robinson

André chats with the owner of FairSquare comics to learn about the in depth world of independent publishing.

Fabrice Sapolsky is a prominent figure in the comic book world, celebrated for his diverse talents as a writer, editor, and publisher. Over his extensive career of more than two decades, Sapolsky has made significant contributions to the industry with his inventive storytelling and unwavering dedication to comics. 

Fabrice has been involved in various creator-owned projects, particularly through his role as a publisher at FairSquare Comics. His commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive storytelling has been evident throughout his career, reflecting his belief in the importance of representation in comic books. As both a creator and publisher, Sapolsky continues to shape the landscape of modern comics with his innovative approach and dedication to quality storytelling.

Fabrice discusses early comic journalism. The importance of representation in comic books and running his own graphic novel company as a publisher!

In this episode our host chats with a comic book legend! A consummate workhorse whose iconic creation of his own series set the benchmark for achievement in independent comic books!

Erik Larsen is a renowned comic book creator known for his influential work in the industry. As a founding member of Image Comics, Larsen's iconic series "Savage Dragon" blends superhero action with humor and social commentary, showcasing his distinctive artistic style marked by bold lines and dynamic action. Beyond "Savage Dragon," Larsen has made significant contributions to other acclaimed series like "The Amazing Spider-Man" and "Doom Patrol." His impact extends beyond his creative work, as he has played a key role in shaping Image Comics as a publisher. Larsen's lasting legacy as a visionary in the comic book world is defined by his boundless creativity and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of the medium.

He discusses early rejections, taking over for Todd McFarlance on Spider-Man for Marvel Comics and moving The Savage Dragon to Canada!

 André chats with virtual royalty when it comes to animation Bradley Rader!

An Emmy® Award–winning animation artist Brad has worked in the TV animation industry as a storyboard artist on various animated series including Rainbow Brite, The Littles, The Real Ghostbusters, ALF and ALF Tails, Batman: The Animated Series, Biker Mice from Mars, Gargoyles, Men in Black: The Series, The Legend of Tarzan, Atlantis: Milo’s Return, The Spectacular Spider-Man, Stripperella, King of the Hill, and Bob’s Burgers, among others.  He also worked as a comic artist and animation director.

André and Brad discuss growing up in Alaska, bouncing between working in comics and animation, having a Freudian analyst as a father and being openly gay in the arts industry during the 1980's.

We like to think André often connects in some way with all his guest but this chat certainly was one that came easy to our host!

J.K. Woodward started illustrating comics in 2003 and has worked on many titles including CSI NY, G.I. Joe Cobra, Star Trek Next Generation, BOOM! Studios Eureka, POE and Zombie Tales. When Peter David was re-launching his creator owned series Fallen Angel at IDW, J.K. was a natural choice for Peter's dark world of magic, violence and redemption. In 2008 his painted work caught the attention of Marvel who chose him to illustrate X-men Origins: The Beast, but his most recent work on Star Trek/Doctor Who: Assimilation brought his art to the masses.

André and J.K discuss the extra work required to paint a comic, the revival of unique album covers in Germany and how J.K was able to give Brent Spiner's trainer something Mr. Spiner never could!

The Death of Superman was an event that rocked the comics world so hard the reverberations are still being felt to this day! On this episode we speak with the editor for Superman comics at that time and the man who made it possible!

Mike Carlin started out in the business at DC Comics as a high school intern in 1974 and was later hired by Marvel Comics as a writer and artist on Crazy Magazine. Rising to the rank of Editor for Marvel he eventually moved to DC comics where he oversaw the Superman Family of titles and then went on to be Creative Director of their Animation division before retiring in 2023.

Mike discusses being introduced to comics by his mother an avid Superman and EC horror fan, His friendship with Marc Gruenwald, Working with John Byrne and the pure insanity that was the media storm when his creative team decided to kill The Man of Steel

Two of André's worlds collide in one interview...marketing and movies!

Craig Miller is a well-known and respected writer/producer with over 200 credits. He has worked in live-action and animation, written scripts, developed series, pitched to studios and networks, produced, cast, approved storyboards, character designs, and animation – the entire gamut of what goes into creating, selling, and producing a TV series.

Craig talks about coming to movie marketing through conventions. A grassroots approach to getting eyes on films, transitioning into writing for animation and shares some amazing stories about many of the cult films he worked with!

André once again dips into the extremely talented pool that is the Toronto based comic art scene to chat with a talented and vibrant creator!Paris Alleyne is a Toronto-based comic-book artist. He has done work as a colourist for Ninja Turtle, Ghostbuster, GI Joe, Captain Canuck, and Riftworld comics. His art has appeared in Marvel, DC, IDW, Chapterhouse, Black Comix Returns and his own independent Haven comics. Paris speaks about noticing the power of art in comics with an unconventional Superman story, why art was always his end goal and how important it was to him to carve his own path as an artist aside from his work as a colourist.

The world of alternate covers is a rich and vast one and on this episode we speak with a man who navigates it well!Rich Woodall is best known for his creator owned books Johnny Raygun, Kyrra: Alien Jungle Girl, Zombie Bomb, and The Electric Black. Rich's work can also be seen in the Savage Dragon, Invincible, Atomic Robo, and several sketch cards series from Upper Deck, Topps, and Rittenhouse Archives. Rich discusses how comics gave him a sense of home as he traveled a lot growing up. Getting an unlikely start working for Fruit of the Loom and returning to his first love comic books and finding a sense of home once again. 

Mr. Monster has been an enduring figure in the minds of many comic fans our host included! André chats with the creator of that iconic figure Michael T. Gilbert!Michael’s stories have been featured in Heavy Metal, Slow Death, Star*Reach, Quack!, Batman, The Spirit and Walt Disney’s Comics & Stories and American Splendor. Over the years he’s written or drawn comics starring Superman, Batman, Dr. Strange, Elric, The Simpsons, SpongeBob and the Disney characters. But Michael’s signature creation remains his fearless monster-fighting superhero, Doc Stearn … Mr. Monster! Mr. Monster celebrates his 40th birthday in 2024 with new Mr. Monster stories appearing in Dark Horse Presents.The two talk about Michael's breaking into comics with Craig P. Russell and bonding over a love of Steve Ditko. Discovering sword and sorcery comics while working on Elric, breaking into Marvel Comics and a beautiful tribute to his premiere creation Mr. Monster coming hopefully in 2024!

In the sweet vanished past... a young André was fascinated with an independent comic he read about in Wizard magazine. That comic was Box Office Poison and it opened a wide world to that young reader about what alternate comics could offer. The creator of the book was this episodes guest!Alex Robinson has written and illustrated several graphic novels, including Our Expanding Universe, Too Cool to Be Forgotten, Box Office Poison and Tricked. He and his work have won several industry awards, including the prestigious Eisner Award and prize for best debut in Angouleme, France. Alex discusses the differences between a cartoonist and graphic novelist. How Wizard magazine gave his first book a real opportunity to succeed. Creating a distinctive format in podcasting and what industry legends he studied under that inspired a key character in his debut book.