(Our very first Comic News Insider logo by my good friend Paul Pope. Created 2006, I believe?)
On April 13th, 2005...a legend was born from the ashes. COMIC NEWS INSIDER released our first episode to large fanfare and at least 3 listeners. Most of you know our story. One of my best pals/former (and current) roommate Joe Gonzalez asked me to come podcast with him about comic books, animation, sci-fi and pop culture. At the time, I was busy doing sketch comedy and only came on part time. But in 2006, I took over as permanent co-host and we've been weekly ever since!
(An awesome strip created for us by the great Chris Giarrusso back in those early days of podcasting!)
As the comic biz and conventions grew, so did we. We started attending more cons and meeting tons of creators. Many whom we now proudly call friends. Over the years, our interview roster listed many of the greats in the business and awesome up and comers. Lots of those up and comers are now some of most in demand cartoonists around. In the comic book biz, we had the pleasure of interviewing such legends as Stan Lee, John Romita Sr, Jerry Robinson, Steve Rude, Darwyn Cooke, and Kevin Maguire. There's hardly a name in the business now that we haven't had on at some point. A few have managed to sneak away but we'll get them! In the entertainment realm, some great interviews with the likes of Joss Whedon, Rosario Dawson, Bryan Fuller, Michael Emerson, Carrie Preston and so many more. Check out our interview archives here.
(Pictured: Joe and I back in 2006)
While growing up on superhero comics, Sunday funnies, Archie, Richie Rich and others...I never really knew about the independent/self published/small press world until I started podcasting. So much great stuff out there and continues to be. I find myself more drawn to those types of comics nowadays though I still enjoy my superhero fare. And I may have never really gotten into them as much as I do now if it wasn't for the podcast. I can't imagine a world where I didn't have the joy of reading travel comics by Lucy Knisley, Kate Beaton's history funnies, and Julia Wertz's sardonic autobio work. Discovering the work of Marjane Satrapi, Alison Bechdel, Gene Luen Yang and others has been eye-opening. And digging up cartooning books on old favorites like Charles Addams and Edward Gorey has been a treat.
(Pictured: CNI 100 guests Jimmy Palmiotti, John Lucas, Heidi MacDonald, Paul Pope, and John Cassaday with hosts Jimmy & Joe)
I've met and befriended so many great people over the years because of the podcast and many remain close friends today. Many from all over the world! It's become a big part of my life and I appreciate all of my friends whom have supported us over the years. And, of course, the listeners! You all are the best! We've had some loyal listeners come in and out over the years. From some of our firsts that connected to us through our old MysSpace page like Dark Spider and Shay to current ones like Jesse, Vichus and Glenn.
(Meeting our now dear friends Iz and Rich for the first time back in 2007 when they were visiting from the UK)
The podcast has changed a lot over the years. Joe and I did it for ages out of his old Harlem crib until he stepped away back in 2011 to just produce. Since then, I've had a rotating group of co-hosts (and always finding new ones) and do the occasional solo episode. I started recording out of my own apartment and doing it very guerilla style and like a live show. No editing involved! And I still sort of do it that way only getting assistance from Producer Joe if I need interviews plugged in. We lost some listeners who miss the quality sound when Joe did it but gained others whom like the "fly on the wall" type aspect of it now.
(Me in front of our CNI banner at Heroes Con last year)
In 2006, Dynamic Forces became our sponsor and still is to this day! They got us a few big interviews back in the day and have helped out with some of our big events. I still hit conventions and get great interviews. I still cover comics, TV, film and pop culture every week. And do the occasional silly song or sketch to entertain the CNI dogs. Groan...that was what I cleverly called the listeners for a short period. Sound it out. CNI dogs. Seeing Eye Dogs. COMEDY GOLD!
(Interviewing Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer at NYCC 2008)
2 weeks ago, we had our big 600th episode recording. Like all anniversary recordings, it was recorded at a bar with special guests and lots of silliness. How did we get 600 episodes in 10 years if we're weekly?!! Well, during convention season, we get so many interviews that multiple episodes are released during those times.
(Our first celeb interview Olivia d'Abo and first of many name drops)
Of course, I can't forget the infamous "name dropping scandal" back in the day. It became a running joke on the podcast (and still is) that I'll name drop a famous friend or 12. Heck, I've even done a rap about it on an anniversary show or 2.
(Joe and I podcasting on Halloween and then scaring neighborhood kiddies after! Make up by Joe!)
Another running joke was when I started asking artists to draw me in their comics. Most played along (even though I knew they wouldn't do it) but I think some took offense. Sorry! I was just funnin' with you! However, over the years, I've been drawn in several comics by friends and it's been really kinda cool. I'm still waiting to appear as a zombie in The Walking Dead, Charlie Adlard! You promised!
(Ethan Nicolle drew Joe and I as zombies in his hilarious comic Chumble Spuzz 2. My first of many comic appearances! Quite a few as a zombie.)
Comic News Insider has brought me much joy over the past 10 years. I'm not sure how long it will continue but I wanted to thank you all for the support and love. And mad props/love to founder/original host/current producer Joe for making it all happen!
(An early promo pic with my model friend Melissa with some photoshop help from friend Richard)
AND TO THE HATERS...
suck it. ;)
#LoveYouMeanIt
(Current logo created by good pal/old roommate Ben Templesmith about 5 years back)
