On this episode of Word Balloon, Greg Rucka returns for the start of a new 2-part Rucka Debrief. In part one, we talk about Rucka’s latest novel ALPHA from Mulholland Books. Greg introduces a new action hero Jad Bell, and his challenge is a terrorist threat in a huge theme park with personal and professional stakes on the line. Greg talks about his world building here and creating this new hero who differs in many ways from Greg’s past comic and novel heroes. (part 2 will cover Greg’s comic doings)

Jeff Parker is back to talk about the  transition from his run on Thunderbolts to the title becoming Dark Avengers with T-Bolt artists Kev Walker and Declan Shalvey. Parker’s run on the Red Hulk continues with Haunted Hulk, featuring Red exploring the monster corner of the Marvel Universe. We also talk about Bucko, Jeff and Erika Moen’s webcomic, soon to be released in a September trade collection by Dark Horse Comics. Jeff’s been busy with a diverse run of short works too like his work with Colleen Coover in CREEPY #8, an upcoming DC digital Batman story with Gabriel Hardman, and a short feature in the BOOM! Planet Of The Apes Annual in August.

Finally comic artist Sal Abbinanti is back to promote a live panel he’ll be doing to benefit Chicago Public Radio this weekend. The subject: Have Hollywood and TV drastically changed the mythologies behind Superhero origins?