Direct Edition

Eric Canete (Aeon Flux, Inkpulp, Iron Man) joins Dave to discuss his upcoming run on DC Comics Absolute Batman. Canete shares the story of landing the gig at NYCC after conversation with Snyder & Dragotta, and how Akira helped unlock the style of his early sample pages.
Eric reflects back to getting into comics via Glenn Danzig, and his start in animation with the great Peter Chung.
They explore manga's influence reshaping American comics, Scott Snyder's commitment to storytelling, Walt Simonson's "working stiff" mentality, and why now might be the best creative moment to make the comics you actually want to make.

Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach joins Dave for a deep-dive conversation about comic book collecting, rock music, and creative inspiration. Bach shares his earliest comic memories, from Fantastic Four to Herb Trimpe’s Incredible Hulk, and how those stories shaped his lifelong taste as a collector. He recounts unforgettable rock tour road stories, including the legendary moment he bought Amazing Fantasy #15 alongside Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell on a fateful day in Omaha.
The two explore the power of comic book community, the creative fuel behind Jack Kirby, Gene Colan, and Spider-Man, iconic Spider-Man jackets, and why local comic shops remain a place of quiet refuge for artists, musicians, and fans alike. A must-listen episode for fans of hard rock, heavy metal, Marvel Comics, Spider-Man, and pop culture storytelling.
See Sebastian On The Road this year: https://www.sebastianbach.com/

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Screenwriter Gary Whitta (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, The Book of Eli) joins Dave to discuss See You in Hell, his new self-produced comedy podcast and why audio storytelling has become his creative home. Whitta breaks down how Hollywood studios, streaming wars, and algorithm-driven content helped damage the film industry—and what creators can do outside the traditional studio system.
The conversation dives into creative burnout, IP fatigue, the decline and future of movie theaters, and why bold films like Sinners, Weapons, and One Battle After Another still matter. Whitta also explains the freedom of independent podcasting, working beyond studio control, and the current state of film and television in an industry shaped by streaming platforms and data-driven decision making.
https://seeyouinhell.tv/ - Check out the podcast
Subscribe to Gary On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@GaryWhitta

Writer Robert Venditti joins Dave to discuss his current slate of Bad Idea books, including Ordained, Planet Death, and Hank Howard: Pizza Detective. Venditti breaks down his creative process, and a creative partnership with John Wick creator Derek Kolstad.
They discuss Rob's genre-hopping career, taking over Green Lantern from Geoff Johns, and his perspective on fandom.
The two dig into Nirvana and Alice In Chains, the Seattle music explosion of the 90's , personal influences, and the deep-rooted crossover between comics and popular culture.

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Larry Reid, curator and manager of the Fantagraphics Bookstore joins Dave to discuss Seattle’s underground art, music, and comics scene. Larry reflects on running the legendary Seattle Roscoe Louie Gallery in the late ’70s, and the rise of alternative comics alongside the city’s punk and grunge movements.
Larry speaks about the inspiring words he got from Robert Crumb, working with Gary Groth & Kim Thompson and the influence Misfit Lit had on the alternative comix scene.
The two explore the legacy of Love and Rockets, the influence of Linda Barry, Charles Burns, Matt Groening, and Peter Bagge, and the lasting cultural impact of Cartoonist Kayfabe and Ed Piskor.

Visit Fantagraphics here : https://www.fantagraphics.com/Follow the bookstore on facebook https://www.facebook.com/fantagraphicsbookstoreFind Me:-------------------------------------------My Website : www.westcoastdavengers.comPATREON https://www.patreon.com/DavengersDirectEdition