We welcome back Ed Catto to talk all things Ithacon 2026, diving into what makes one of the longest-running comic conventions in the country such a unique and creator-friendly experience. Catto shares how this year’s show continues Ithacon’s tradition of blending legendary guests with up-and-coming talent, while also emphasizing its relaxed, community-driven vibe. He discusses the challenges and rewards of organizing the event, highlights some of the special programming and notable attendees fans can look forward to, and reflects on why smaller, more intimate conventions like Ithacon remain vital to the comics ecosystem.

Fans can grab tickets and learn more via the official site here: Get Ithacon 2026 Tickets.

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Today we sit down with Dick DeBartolo—longtime MAD Magazine writer and “The Giz Wiz”—for a lively conversation that bounces between comics, comedy, and gadgets. Dick shares how he broke into MAD during its legendary era, what it was like working alongside icons like Al Jaffee and Don Martin, and how the magazine’s anything-goes humor shaped his creative instincts. He also digs into his parallel career in tech and radio, explaining how his love of quirky gadgets led to his long-running “Giz Wiz” persona. Throughout the interview, DeBartolo’s trademark wit and self-deprecating humor shine through, offering both a nostalgic look at MAD’s golden age and a reminder of how curiosity and comedy can fuel a decades-long career.

You can follow Dick on Instagram @thegizwiz.

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Comics legend Jim Starlin returns to talk about the latest chapter in his ongoing Dreadstar revival — Dreadstar vs. Dreadstar, the newest original graphic novel in a series he's been building through Kickstarter since his triumphant return to the character in 2021. The conversation covers the full arc of Dreadstar's history — from its origins as the first title ever published under Marvel's Epic imprint, through its run at First Comics and brief Malibu revival, to the decision to bypass the big publishers entirely and build a new audience directly through crowdfunding. Jim talks about what it's like to have creative ownership over Vanth Dreadstar in a way he never quite had with Thanos, why the Kickstarter model has given him a freedom he never expected at this stage of his career, and what he still has left to say with a character he's had mapped out for at least five more graphic novels.

You only have a few days left to back Dreadstar vs. Dreadstar here: http://kck.st/3Nn0EJM! You can follow Jim on Instagram @jimstarlin or Facebook @JimStarlinfanpage.

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