Writer Ed Brubaker joins the show to talk about his latest graphic novel with artist Sean Phillips, Night Fever. Brubaker discusses the picket line experience, the insanity of Night Fever, his expectations for the response, the personal nature of the book, why it was the right idea right now, Refn vibes, section breaks, his artistic collaborators, Sean Phillips’ working with bigger pages, the book’s international feel, wanting to be someone else, the cover change of the book, how their sales have been shifting, their sales arc, the power of schedules, surprise comics, John Romita, Sr.’s greatness, and more.

You can find Brubaker on his newsletter and his work in the just released Night Fever at Image Comics.

You can download the episode directly here on Libsyn.

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Thanks to the sponsor of this week’s podcast: Zoop! June launches include Stardust The Super Wizard Anthology, which features an an all-star team of artists and writers like Mike Allred, Francesco Francavilla and Cecil Castellucci, a La Borinquena Volume 1 Hardcover from Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez, and more! And there’s still time to support Jason Copland’s indie hit Full Tilt, as well as Jorge Molina’s gorgeous artbook Zurdo, among many other campaigns that are currently live! Head to Zoop’s website to support the live campaigns and sign up for launch alerts for what’s next. Also, Zoop is taking submissions! So creators, reach out at hello@wearezoop.com to learn more!

Also, thanks to the other sponsor of this week’s podcast: Bad Idea! Having just wrapped their magnum opus with Matt Kindt and Lewis LaRosa’s Megalith, what could possibly be next for the guerrilla comic publisher? I’m genuinely asking you. I have absolutely no idea. Something, I’m sure! Keep up with them at their website and on Twitter for all the latest.

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Header photo is from Sean Phillips’ cover to Night Fever. Off Panel’s opening theme music is Vulfpeck’s “Outro,” used with permission from the band (and thanks for me for them doing so!), with the rest of the music being an original track by custom music agency Upright T-Rex Music, written and performed specifically for the podcast. A huge thanks to Ross and Cody from Upright T-Rex Music for putting the track together!