POP CULTURE / Sifu Mimi Chan

ICYMI. 122 James Hong on what he’s learned working on over 500 roles in tv and film

133. Brian Michael Bendis on Superman, Miles Morales, and diversity in comics

Attention superhero and comic book fans! Today I have a conversation with award-winning comics creator and Amazon and New York Times best seller Brian Michael Bendis.

132. Matt Fraction on writing comics, hard work, and empathy

If you look up Matt Fraction, you will find a bio that sounds a little like this: Matt Fraction writer of: (writer): SEX CRIMINALS (Image), Jimmy Olsen (DC), CASANOVA (Image), HAWKEYE (Marvel), and NOVEMBER (Image) writes comic books out in the woods and lives with his wife, the writer Kelly Sue DeConnick, his two children, two dogs, a cat, a bearded dragon, and a yard full of coyotes and stags. Surely there is a metaphor there.

130. Michael Lark on his art process, collaboration with writers, and Lazarus

Michael Lark is a Harvey and Eisner award-winning comics artist. He is currently illustrating one of my favorite comics: LAZARUS, written by Greg Rucka. Michael has also provided pencils for DC Comics’ Batman, Terminal City, Gotham Central and Marvel Comics’ The Pulse and Captain America.

129. Kelly Sue DeConnick is a Deadly writer

Kelly Sue DeConnick is a writer of comics and an all-around fabulous person. Some of her titles include BITCH PLANET, PRETTY DEADLY, AQUAMAN, & CAPTAIN MARVEL. She is best known for rebranding Carol Danvers’ as Captain Marvel. In fact, the portrayal of Captain Marvel you see in the films can be traced back to Kelly Sue’s version of her character.

127. John Fusco on script writing, music, and Mongolia on horseback

John Fusco is a screenwriter, producer, and television series creator. His work has included several successful films and tv shows such as Crossroads, Young Guns, Young Guns II, Thunderheart, Hidalgo and the Netflix series Marco Polo. John discusses his journey during his youth as a musician that led him to pursue his career in writing.

126. Greg Rucka on comics, politics, and social media

As many of you know, I love comic books. One of my favorites is Lazarus by Greg Rucka and Michael Lark. I met Greg at San Diego Comic Con, You can imagine my excitement when Greg invited me to interview him in Portland at his home. I met his lovely wife Jen, and his dog Marlowe, who makes a few cameos in this interview on my youtube channel.

125. Diana Schutz on her life in comics

Diana Schutz worked as an editor at Comico and Dark Horse Comics for many years. Some of the best-known works she has edited are Frank Miller’s Sin City and 300, Matt Wagner’s Grendel, Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo, and Paul Chadwick’s Concrete.

123. Gene Ha, Eisner award winner, on comics, art and geeking out

Gene Ha is a NY Times bestselling comic book artist and Eisner Award winner, which is the highest award in American comics. Today I speak with Gene about his journey as an artist, and also about his newest creation, Mae. I enjoyed reading about the world he creates in this sci-fi action-adventure story! It has girl power, epic battles, and even monsters. Some of Gene’s art includes work in the DC and Marvel Universe, Fables, and Alan Moore’s Top 10. I enjoyed my conversation with Gene today, especially after meeting him at San Diego Comic-Con!

122. James Hong on working in tv and films

I feel fortunate that James Hong took time to interview with me today. He is an actor who has starred in over 500 film and tv roles during his 60+ year career. At age 90, he isn’t slowing down. It was great to have a little Mulan reunion with James, as we discussed our thoughts on the upcoming live-action film. James shared his stories on Hollywood through the years, and the challenges Asian Americans face in cinema. He is hopeful for the future after the success of Crazy Rich Asians, however, still feels we have a long way to go.

120. Bill Willingham on Fables, Game of Thrones, and writing

Bill Willingham has been writing and drawing comics for more than twenty years. During that time, he’s had work published by nearly every comics publisher in the business and he’s created many critically acclaimed comic book series, including Elementals, Coventry, Day Of Vengeance, and the Eisner Award-winning Vertigo series, FABLES. I had a fun conversation with him today on the world of Fables and his opinions on Game of Thrones. We shared laughs, theories, and stories about his youth, writing, and the creative process.

119. Jessi Fisher, stunt double

I had the pleasure of speaking with stunt woman Jessi Fisher, who recently doubled Linda Hamilton for Terminator: Dark Fate. We discuss her journey as a performer from Cirque du Soleil to working in Hollywood. We also candidly speak about the challenges that face women in the stunt industry. I enjoyed my conversation with Jessi, as it brought back memories of my good old stunt days! Today I live vicariously through incredible stunt performers like Jessi.