Episode 1514 - Another Top 3 x 4 Special!

Baltimore Comic Con (BCC) invited Jimmy down at the last minute to be on a panel remembering his close friend John Cassaday. Besides Jimmy, Scott Dunbier (former Wildstorm EIC), Heidi MacDonald (The Beat EIC), Albert Moy (John's art dealer) and Joe Rybandt (Dynamite Entertainment Executive Editor) were on the panel as well. They shared stories of times together, his work, how they met and more. Dean Haspiel also told a great story from the audience. Some other audience members told short stories of meeting him and how kind he was to them. We told some fun stories and some more serious ones and it got very emotional at times. You'll hear the whole panel. Thanks to Bob Harrison for hosting and big thanks to Brad Tree of BCC for everything.  Jimmy also briefly talks about his short time at the show (he only was there on Sunday) and running into mutual friends. Sharing stories, crying together, laughing together and more. It was comforting and somewhat cathartic and part of the reason he went. To be surrounded by so many of John's friends. Jimmy also comments on the show a bit as he walked around before and after the panel.  Thanks for listening.

We continue to celebrate the life of the legendary cartoonist John Cassaday who tragically died on September 9th. He was one of Jimmy's closest friends. Jimmy shares some stories of their friendship and adventures. He also asked some of John's friends/colleagues to send in their memories of him as well. They talk about his incredible body of work, how they met, fun times together and more. Thanks so much to Ben Raab, Paul Pope, Heidi MacDonald, CB Cebulski, John Layman, Fabio Moon, Laura Martin, Michael Avon Oeming, Lorraine Cink, Nick Barrucci, Dean Haspiel, Marta Balusek and Producer Joe for sharing their reflections on John. This is an emotional and raw episode but also full of love and light. We all love and miss him terribly. We were all lucky to have him in our lives. His legacy will keep his energy around us eternally.  Thanks for listening.

Our dear friend John Cassaday passed away on September 9th. As many know, Jimmy was one of his best pals. As you can imagine, he is devastated. We are doing a couple of special episodes to honor his memory. John was a big supporter of our podcast from the very beginning. He came on only a handful of times or so in the early days and let us find our feet after that. He was always one to let his work speak for itself and we respected that. We put together a compilation of some of the episodes he was on including Episodes 18, 50, 100 and 200. As said, early days. We think you'll love hearing John talk about his work back then as these date from 2005-2009. Such an incredibly talented and kind man. One of the best comic book artists ever and a true friend. His work will live on.  Next episode, Jimmy asked some of John's friends/colleagues to send in their memories of him. How they met, his work, a favorite story and more. Jimmy talks of their friendship and shares a few stories as well. It will be an emotional one for sure. Come back later this week to listen.  Also, get a hold of us! Thanks for listening!

Reviews: Batman: Caped Crusader s1, House of the Dragon s2, Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power s2 premiere, Orphan Black: Echoes s1, Sweet Home s3, Time Bandits s1, The Umbrella Academy: Season 4, Alien: Romulus, Borderlands, The Crow, Despicable Me 4, Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie  Due to all the San Diego Comic Con, Flame Con and Anime NYC coverage, Jimmy has been way behind on reviewing comics, TV and film. So he decided to do some review catch-ups. He did 2 comic book review specials last week and then the TV/film/streaming special here. Did you watch any of these? What are some of your faves? If so, let us know your thoughts!  Also, get a hold of us! Thanks for listening!

Reviews: Exceptional X-Men #1, Uncanny X-Men Vol 6 #1, X-Factor Vol 5 #1, X-Force Vol 7 #1, Wolverine: Revenge #1,What If Donald Duck Became Thor #1, What If Donald Duck Became Wolverine #1, Flash Gordon Vol 8 #1 & #2, Huge Detective #1 Jimmy continues the comic book review catch-up in this episode. Lots of the new X-books are covered here! Next week will be the TV/film/streaming special. Did you read any of these comics? If so, let us know your thoughts!  Also, get a hold of us! Thanks for listening!

Reviews: Archie: The Decision one-shot, Babs #1,Universal Monsters: Frankenstein #1, Hello Darkness #1, Jenny Sparks #1, Minor Arcana #1, Patra #1, The Power Fantasy #1 & #2, S.I.R. #1.  Due to all the San Diego Comic Con, Flame Con and Anime NYC coverage, Jimmy has been way behind on reviewing comics, TV and film. So he decided to do some catch-ups over the next couple of weeks. He'll do 2 comic book review specials this week and then the TV/film/streaming special next week. Did you read any of these comics? If so, let us know your thoughts!  Also, get a hold of us! Thanks for listening!

Reviews: Terminator Zero, Suicide Squad Isekai Yet even more convention coverage! Jimmy attended Anime NYC over the weekend of August 23-25th. The show has almost doubled in attendance in just 2 years and it showed. Lots of art, merch, guests, panels, cosplay, food and more! Jimmy gives his full recap in the episode. And since we're talking about Anime NYC, he also reviews two recent anime series. Did you attend? Tell us your thoughts!  Also, get a hold of us! Thanks for listening!

It's our REAL final San Diego Comic Con episode! Jimmy's dear friend Melissa has been such a great part of CNI for many years doing reviews, the occasional interviews and roundtables, etc. Why not hear about her thoughts on SDCC? She is an official CNI Correspondent after all! She hit many an activation site and gives her thoughts on them all. She also talks about cosplay, panels, crowds, attendees, parties and more!  Also, get a hold of us! Thanks for listening!

We interrupt all of this amazing SDCC coverage to give a recap on the amazing Flame Con held in NYC recently. Jimmy attended and gives his thoughts on it all. Exhibitors, guests, cosplay, atmosphere, crowd, etc. Always a fantastic show. He also had a chance to catch up w/ his friend Robin Ha to discuss her most recent graphic novel THE FOX MAIDENS. An incredible retelling of the classic Korean mythological tale of the 9 tailed fox. They talked about the comic, gumihos, the fantastic clothing from the Joseon period in Korea, music, food, Korean dramas, what's next and more! Also, get a hold of us! Thanks for listening!

In our final SDCC interview special, Jimmy did the roundtables for the Amazon Prime animated series room with creators Robert Kirkman (INVINCIBLE), Vivienne Medrano (HAZBIN HOTEL), Travis Willingham (THE LEGEND OF VOX MACHINA), and Kyle Hunter (SAUSAGE PARTY: FOODTOPIA). For the first time in probably ever, the synergy between the other 2 press people was fantastic and they played off of each other's questions. A surprising delight! Kirkman gave some great business advice on how to get the good money when selling your IP, Medrano talked about the amazing music in the show, Willingham revealed how the show came together from D&D sessions and Hunter talked of how the show continues on from the movie with a slight change. All fantastic! Please go back to hear all of the SDCC coverage from the last month.  Also, get a hold of us! Thanks for listening!