531: John Ottman — The Music of Superman Returns, X-Men, Fantastic Four

STUART BLOOM IS BACK...AND HE’S GOT A UNIVERSE TO SAVE! Kevin Sussman returns to Comic Book Central to take us inside the wildly inventive Stuart Fails to Save the Universe! Kevin reveals how the Big Bang Theory spinoff finally came together, what it was like stepping back into Stuart’s shoes, keeping track of multiple universes (yes, there was a chart!), and reuniting with familiar faces including Kunal Nayyar and Kaley Cuoco. Plus, we dig into the secrets of the Comic Center of Pasadena, what Kevin may have snagged from the set, hopes for the future of the series, and MUCH more! And stick around for the SUSSMAN SPEED ROUND! Batman or Superman? Betty or Veronica? Mel Brooks or Gene Wilder? Doctor Doom or Lex Luthor? ️The latest episode of Comic Book Central is streaming NOW. Subscribe & don’t miss it! TM & copyright Comic Book Central Photo courtesy Kevin Sussman Stuart image TM & copyright HBO Max Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

She's been a Bond girl. A Smallville villain. A doctor. A mystery solver. And now... she's finally on Comic Book Central! This week, I'm joined by the legendary Jane Seymour for a career-spanning conversation celebrating an incredible body of work, including: Live and Let Die Somewhere in Time Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman Smallville Harry Wild We talk about becoming Solitaire opposite Roger Moore, the enduring magic of Somewhere in Time, stepping into the world of Superman on Smallville, and why Harry Wild continues to surprise audiences five seasons in. Plus, stick around for a fun Speed Round featuring coffee vs. tea, mystery vs. romance... and the toughest choice of all: Superman or James Bond? TM & copyright Comic Book Central Photo courtesy AcornTV Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Barry Kripke's story continues! John Ross Bowie returns to Comic Book Central for Part 2, and we're diving even deeper into The Big Bang Theory universe! John shares the story behind his memorable audition, reveals how Barry Kripke came to life, and looks back on some of his favorite moments from one of television's biggest sitcoms. We also preview his upcoming political thriller The Brink of War, talk more about HBO Max's Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, and wrap things up with a hilarious Speed Round you won't want to miss! If you loved Part 1, don't miss the conclusion! TM & copyright Comic Book Central Photo courtesy John Ross Bowie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Barry Kripke is back! Actor John Ross Bowie joins me for Part 1 of an all-new Comic Book Central as we head back into the world of The Big Bang Theory and look ahead to HBO Max's highly anticipated new series, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe! John shares what it was like reuniting with his Big Bang cast mates, how this ambitious new series takes the franchise in an entirely different direction, and the surprising new challenges that came with stepping into a world of sci-fi, action, visual effects...and yes, even stunts! Plus, we look back at John's unforgettable run as Barry Kripke, one of television's most memorable sitcom rivals. If you're a fan of The Big Bang Theory, you won't want to miss this one! Part one is streaming now. TM & copyright Comic Book Central Photo courtesy John Ross Bowie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hey hey...it's MICKY DOLENZ! Monkees legend Micky Dolenz joins Comic Book Central to celebrate 60 Years of The Monkees, his brand-new EP TIMELESS, and the heartfelt new single "Terri." But this isn't your typical Monkees interview... We also dive into Micky's lifelong love of comic books, Monkeemania, nostalgia waves performing today, voicing characters on The Tick and Batman: The Animated Series, and a fun speed round that reveals his first comic book, his favorite Monkees song to perform...and, yes, who he thinks was the cutest Monkee. Whether you've loved The Monkees since 1966 or discovered them through reruns and streaming, you'll love this conversation with one of pop culture's true icons. Micky's new EP, TIMELESS, arrives September 4. Micky Dolenz Official Site TM & copyright Comic Book Central Photo courtesy Micky Dolenz Watch on Comic Book Central's YouTube channel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SUPERMAN RETURNS turns 20...and no one was better suited to celebrate than John Ottman. Part 2 of my conversation with the Academy Award-winning composer/editor is here! John takes us behind the scenes of one of the most beloved modern Superman scores and explains why honoring John Williams' legendary music wasn't a burden—it was a privilege. We also dive into: The famous airplane rescue sequence Why memorable superhero themes still matter The challenges of editing the Michael Jackson biopic His passion project about Billy Joel Why Star Trek: The Motion Picture is so important Plus, a super speed round you don't want to miss featuring: Superman Raiders of the Lost Ark X-Men Star Trek Favorite scores and dream projects If you're a fan of Superman, movie music, filmmaking, or simply love hearing creative people talk about their craft, this is the conversation for you. Part two is streaming now! TM & copyright Comic Book Central Photo courtesy John Ottman John's website  Subscribe to Comic Book Central's YouTube channel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SUPERMAN RETURNS turns 20! What do Superman Returns, X2, Fantastic Four, The Usual Suspects, and Bohemian Rhapsody all have in common? John Ottman. The Academy Award-winning composer and editor joins Comic Book Central for an epic two-part conversation about crafting unforgettable superhero scores, balancing life as both editor and composer, and the fascinating stories behind some of Hollywood's biggest films. In Part 1: The music that inspired him His unique journey from editor to composer X2 and the X-Men universe Fantastic Four films A preview of our celebration of the 20th anniversary of Superman Returns If you love superhero movies, film scores, or behind-the-scenes filmmaking, you don't want to miss this one! TM & copyright Comic Book Central Photo courtesy John Ottman John's website  Subscribe to Comic Book Central's YouTube channel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The voice of Pearl Krabs is back in the Lair! Comic Book Central Episode 530: Lori Alan - Part 2 dives deep into the world of SpongeBob SquarePants, as Lori shares the story behind voicing Pearl Krabs for an incredible 26 years and reveals why Bikini Bottom continues to resonate with generations of fans. She also teases upcoming SpongeBob episodes, including some hilarious new adventures for Pearl and Mr. Krabs. Lori reflects on the late Stephen Hillenburg, calling him a "humble, quiet genius" whose kindness changed the trajectory of her life. She also reveals how she created Pearl's voice and personality, from the iconic "DADDY!" to the character's larger-than-life energy. Plus, we return to the world of Toy Story 5, discussing the enduring legacy of the late Don Rickles, the future of Mr. Potato Head, and why stepping onto the Disney lot to record still feels magical after all these years. And of course, we close things out with a speed round featuring Pixar, Marvel, Paul Reubens, Taylor Swift, and more! Part two is streaming now. Lori's website Lori's show "Do The Voice" Subscribe to Comic Book Central's YouTube channel TM & copyright Comic Book Central Photo courtesy Lori Alan   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 529 is here, and my guest is voice acting icon LORI ALAN! With Toy Story 5 just days away, Lori gives Comic Book Central an exclusive preview of Pixar's latest adventure, including new details on Bonnie, Bonnie's mom, and why this film may leave audiences reaching for the tissues once again. Lori shares why Toy Story 5 captures "the heart of Toy Story 1 and 2" while delivering the emotional punch of Toy Story 3. Plus, she opens up about growing up in an acting family, getting her start in commercials at age five, studying at NYU, and sharpening her improv chops alongside the legendary Paul Reubens (Pee-wee Herman). And because it's Comic Book Central, we dive into Marvel! Lori reflects on voicing Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman in the classic Fantastic Four animated series, playing Sue's dark alter ego Malice, and working alongside animation legends. Plus: memories from Comic Book: The Movie and working with director and co-star Mark Hamill. To infinity and beyond… and into the Lair! Part one is streaming now. Lori's website Lori's show "Do The Voice" Subscribe to Comic Book Central's YouTube channel TM & copyright Comic Book Central Photo courtesy Lori Alan     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The music behind The Boys, Gen V, Lost in Space, Marvel’s Agent Carter, and more comes to the Lair! Emmy-winning composer Christopher Lennertz joins me for a behind-the-scenes conversation about scoring superheroes, satire, sci-fi, and one of the wildest worlds on television. Plus: working with Eric Kripke, a Vought Rising preview, honoring the legacy of John Williams, the future of Rogers: The Musical, Looney Tunes, and the art of musical storytelling. (Warning: Contains spoilers for The Boys season 5!) Episode 528 is streaming now. TM & copyright Comic Book Central Photo courtesy Christopher Lennertz Follow Christopher on IG Subscribe to Comic Book Central's YouTube channel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.