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Screenwriter ZAK PENN returns to the Lair for PART TWO of his Comic Book Central conversation! This time, we're diving headfirst into the multiverse madness of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe! Zak takes us behind the scenes of the wildly inventive Big Bang Theory spinoff, revealing how an unlikely friendship with Chuck Lorre led to their collaboration with Bill Prady, and how the three creators combined sitcom comedy, science fiction, and comic-book mythology into one outrageous adventure. We're talking comic-book Easter eggs, alternate universes, Green Lantern, The Flash's cosmic treadmill, and the secrets behind Episode 9, "Spoiler: We Couldn't Get Green Lantern!" Zak also reveals his unexpected on-screen contribution to the series and some incredible memorabilia from his Hollywood career. And what about Season Two? Zak drops some fascinating clues about the mysterious Adversary, reveals that certain universes aren't what they appear to be, and teases some surprising developments ahead. Plus, could we see more familiar faces from The Big Bang Theory? And did Stuart REALLY burn down his comic book store?! Then it's time for the COMIC BOOK CENTRAL SPEED ROUND! Marvel or DC? X-Men or Avengers? Favorite comic-book villain? Best superhero casting of all time? Most underrated comic-book movie? Zak tackles those questions and more, including his favorite Spielberg film and whether the Hulk is more dangerous than a Chuck Lorre notes session! It's Zak Penn on Comic Book Central, Episode 541, Part Two! Catch Part One in Episode 540. MORE JOE STUBER: I’ve also been popping up on some other great podcasts recently. Check out my guest appearances: Cake on Tuesday Podcast Creative Entrepreneur Podcast Get Authentic with Marques Ogden Podcast Stay on Course Podcast Comic Book Central...where comic books come to life! Subscribe for more conversations with the actors, writers, producers, directors, composers, and creators who bring our favorite comic book and pop-culture worlds to life. Comic Book Central Website Subscribe in Apple Podcasts Listen on iHeartRadio Listen on Spotify Listen on Amazon Listen on the BLEAV Network Follow Comic Book Central on Instagram "Like" Comic Book Central on Facebook Follow Comic Book Central on X (formerly Twitter) Follow Comic Book Central on Bluesky Subscribe to Comic Book Central’s YouTube Channel email: [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Screenwriter Zak Penn enters the Lair! In Part One of this wide-ranging Comic Book Central conversation, Zak takes us back to his beginnings as a comic book-obsessed kid devouring the legendary Chris Claremont/John Byrne X-Men, Frank Miller’s Daredevil, and the Dark Phoenix Saga, long before he would help bring some of Marvel’s biggest characters to the screen. Zak talks about breaking into Hollywood with Last Action Hero, the film’s unlikely journey from box-office disappointment to cult favorite, and why he now believes it really was ahead of its time. Then we dive into the superhero universe! Zak reveals that one of the first things he asked after getting an agent was, “What’s going on with the X-Men?” He shares memories of working alongside a young Kevin Feige, his approach to X-Men, the Marvel characters he never got the chance to tackle, and the unmade ROM: Spaceknight screenplay still sitting in the vault. Plus, Zak tells the fascinating story of writing The Hulk in the 1990s, then being asked years later to essentially rewrite himself for The Incredible Hulk. He explains how the Bill Bixby television series influenced his darker, lonely “man on the run” approach to Bruce Banner, and looks back at what went wrong with Elektra and the R-rated, Frank Miller-inspired version he originally envisioned. And right off the top, we talk Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, the insanity of Season One, that comic-book universe, the sitcom universe, and where things stand with Season Two! Zak Penn on Comic Book Central – Part One! MORE JOE STUBER! I’ve also been popping up on some other great podcasts recently. Check out my guest appearances: Cake on Tuesday Podcast Creative Entrepreneur Podcast Get Authentic with Marques Ogden Podcast Stay on Course Podcast Comic Book Central...where comic books come to life! Subscribe for more conversations with the actors, writers, producers, directors, composers, and creators who bring our favorite comic book and pop-culture worlds to life! Comic Book Central Website Subscribe in Apple Podcasts Listen on iHeartRadio Listen on Spotify Listen on Amazon Listen on the BLEAV Network Follow Comic Book Central on Instagram "Like" Comic Book Central on Facebook Follow Comic Book Central on X (formerly Twitter) Follow Comic Book Central on Bluesky Subscribe to Comic Book Central’s YouTube Channel email: [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Warner Bros. vault is still open, and in Part 2, George Feltenstein is going UNCENSORED! I jump right back into my conversation with the Warner Archive legend with one of the most controversial topics in animation history: The Censored 11. George reveals the fascinating history behind the infamous group of cartoons, explains why far more than 11 shorts eventually disappeared from circulation, and discusses whether these films could someday be released in their proper historical context. Then it’s time to raid another corner of the vault! George talks Hanna-Barbera, including Quick Draw McGraw, Huckleberry Hound, The Banana Splits, and the challenges of reconstructing classic television the right way. Plus, there’s a major update on the restoration of the legendary 1960 Bugs Bunny Show, which George calls a “Holy Grail.” And then...we go SUPER! George discusses the long-unavailable Filmation Superboy series and the possibility of bringing more classic DC animation to Blu-ray. He also shares an emotional behind-the-scenes story about Richard Donner and his involvement with Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, talks about the chances of an expanded Superman IV, and reveals that previously unseen George Reeves Superman material could potentially find its way out of the vault! Finally, George faces the Comic Book Central Speed Round, with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Chuck Jones, Tex Avery, Huckleberry Hound, Superman, and more! The Censored 11. Hanna-Barbera. Superboy. Donner. George Reeves. And plenty more surprises from the Warner Archive vault. Part 2 is packed! MORE JOE STUBER! I’ve also been popping up on some other great podcasts recently. Check out my guest appearances: Cake on Tuesday Podcast Creative Entrepreneur Podcast Get Authentic with Marques Ogden Podcast Comic Book Central...where comic books come to life! Subscribe for more conversations with the actors, writers, producers, directors, composers, and creators who bring our favorite comic book and pop-culture worlds to life! Comic Book Central Website Subscribe in Apple Podcasts Listen on iHeartRadio Listen on Spotify Listen on Amazon Listen on the BLEAV Network Follow Comic Book Central on Instagram "Like" Comic Book Central on Facebook Follow Comic Book Central on X (formerly Twitter) Follow Comic Book Central on Bluesky Subscribe to Comic Book Central’s YouTube Channel email: [email protected] Order the following from Warner Archive: Looney Tunes: Collector's Vault, Vol. 3 Scooby-Doo-Mystery Incorporated: The Complete Series The Quick Draw McGraw Show Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Warner Bros. vault is OPEN! In Part 1 of this special two-part conversation, I welcome George Feltenstein, longtime champion of classic film and animation preservation and a driving force behind the Warner Archive Collection. George takes us inside the new Looney Tunes Collector’s Vault Volume 3, featuring 50 restored cartoons spanning nearly 40 years of Warner Bros. animation history. He reveals what goes into selecting, restoring, and preserving these classic shorts, why getting them into the hands of collectors can sometimes be a battle, and why there is still so much left in the vault waiting to be rediscovered. George also looks back at his early days at MGM/UA Home Video, his decades-long friendship and collaboration with animation historian Jerry Beck, and the six-year fight that eventually helped give birth to the landmark Looney Tunes Golden Collection. Plus, George talks physical media, the future of the Collector’s Vault series, lost animation history, and the childhood obsession with cartoons that ultimately became his career. And just wait until Part 2, when the conversation turns to The Censored 11, Hanna-Barbera, The Bugs Bunny Show, Filmation’s Superboy, Richard Donner, Superman, George Reeves, and much more! It’s time to crack open the vault with George Feltenstein! ️MORE JOE STUBER! I’ve also been popping up on some other great podcasts recently. Check out my guest appearances: Cake on Tuesday Podcast Creative Entrepreneur Podcast Get Authentic with Marques Ogden Podcast Comic Book Central...where comic books come to life! Subscribe for more conversations with the actors, writers, producers, directors, composers, and creators who bring our favorite comic book and pop-culture worlds to life! Comic Book Central Website Subscribe in Apple Podcasts Listen on iHeartRadio Listen on Spotify Listen on Amazon Listen on the BLEAV Network Follow Comic Book Central on Instagram "Like" Comic Book Central on Facebook Follow Comic Book Central on X (formerly Twitter) Follow Comic Book Central on Bluesky Subscribe to Comic Book Central’s YouTube Channel email: [email protected] Order the following from Warner Archive: Looney Tunes: Collector's Vault, Vol. 3 Scooby-Doo-Mystery Incorporated: The Complete Series The Quick Draw McGraw Show   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

PART TWO of my Toon Talk with animation historian Jerry Beck is here! We’re diving into: An EXTREMELY obscure cartoon release from Warner Archive More animation deep cuts A Looney Tunes speed round Animation restorations that surprised even Jerry And a tease for a proposed Warner Archive Looney Tunes release from 1960! If you love classic cartoons, animation history, and Looney Tunes insanity…this one’s for you. Episode 527 – Jerry Beck (Part 2) is streaming now. TM & copyright Comic Book Central Looney Tunes image: Warner Bros. Photo courtesy Jerry Beck Stuff you heard on the show: Jerry's website/blog: Cartoon Research Follow Jerry on Facebook Order Looney Tunes: Collector’s Vault, Vol. 2 from Warner Archive Order Looney Tunes Cartoons: The Complete Series from Warner Archive Order The New Fred And Barney Show: The Complete Series from Warner Archive Order Famous Studios Champion Collection 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.