In the age of endless comic book podcasts, where every corner of fandom already has its own audio niche, a new show dares to stand apart by flipping the formula. The Superfan Podcast has just launched, and although it’s branded as a comic book podcast, the truth is that it’s not really about comics at all. 
Instead, it’s about the people behind them and their hidden passions that stretch far beyond panels and speech bubbles.
The concept is deceptively simple but refreshingly effective. Each episode is hosted by a trio of industry veterans and insiders: Christian Gossett, creator of Eyes of Wakanda; Kristen Simon, executive editor at Mad Cave Studios’ Nakama Press; and David Hyde, the founder of Superfan Promotions. Together, they invite a special guest from the comic book world to talk about something completely unrelated to the medium. The result is a mix of nostalgia, quirky confessions, and unexpected insights into the personal lives of creators who usually get pigeonholed into the same handful of professional questions.
The premiere episode set the tone right away. Rodney Barnes, best known for his hit series Killadelphia, joined the hosts not to dissect his writing process, but to talk about his enduring love of Stephen King novels. Barnes’ enthusiasm comes at a moment when King’s works are once again dominating Hollywood with multiple film and television adaptations. Instead of talking vampires or horror comics, listeners get to hear how King shaped Barnes’ imagination and why those stories continue to resonate with him.
IGN has revealed the lineup for the next five episodes, and each one digs into similarly offbeat but heartfelt territory:
- Episode 2: Arrow executive producer Marc Guggenheim reminisces about his childhood obsession with Billy Joel while growing up on Long Island.
- Episode 3: Kelly Sue DeConnick, the acclaimed writer of Wonder Woman Historia, opens up about her fandom for comedian Alan Alda – and the unusual choice to get “ALAN ALDA” tattooed across her knuckles.
- Episode 4: Matt Kindt, creator of Mind MGMT, talks about his fascination with John le Carré’s intricate spy novels.
- Episode 5: Marjorie Liu, the award-winning writer behind Monstress, shares stories about her love of gardening, including inheriting a family plant that has been passed down for generations.
- Episode 6: Patrick McDonnell, the cartoonist of Mutts and a former musician, dives into his admiration for the genius of Frank Zappa.
Adding to the fun, every episode includes a quirky bonus: the hosts provide both a dessert recipe and a themed cocktail or mocktail inspired by the guest’s topic. It’s a lighthearted twist that reinforces the podcast’s commitment to creating something warmer and more personal than a standard industry interview.
“Comic book writers and artists are often asked the same questions over and over,” Hyde explains. “What excites us – and the guests – is finally having conversations that escape the usual promotional cycle. We prepare deeply for each discussion, but the real magic happens when a side tangent blossoms into something no one expected. These are genuine, passionate dialogues filled with laughter, memory, and surprising connections.”
The Superfan Podcast is now streaming on Spotify, Audible/Amazon Music, YouTube, and other podcast platforms. It offers fans a rare chance to meet their favorite creators as people first and professionals second, creating conversations that feel as intimate as they are entertaining.
And while the podcast charts new territory, the comics world isn’t slowing down either. Dark Horse is preparing the release of The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope – The Manga, while DC’s Absolute Batman #12 delivers chilling reimaginings of classic villain origin stories. In short, comics remain booming, but thanks to Superfan, fans can also enjoy a new kind of story – one that comes from behind the mask.
1 comment
wish more podcasts did this kinda random deep dive