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What if a postcard could change your life? Welcome to Back to Pop, the podcast that dives deep into the stories behind the stories in comics, pop culture, and the creative industry. Each episode features intimate conversations with the legends, innovators, and unsung heroes who shaped the entertainment we love.

From Marvel editors to European comic translators, from educational comic pioneers to digital media trailblazers, Back to Pop uncovers the human moments that transformed creative careers and influenced entire generations of fans. Whether you’re a longtime comic enthusiast or just discovering the rich history behind your favorite characters, you’ll find compelling stories that connect the dots between yesterday’s innovations and today’s pop culture landscape.
Featured in This Episode
Join us for an incredible conversation with Jim Salicrup, former Marvel editor and , the former co-owner of Papercutz, in which ( Terry Nantier and Jim recently sold Papercutz to Mad Cave Studios ), who has spent over 40 years making comics accessible to kids worldwide. From his teenage fanzine days in Brooklyn to shepherding literary giants like Ray Bradbury and legends like Jack Kirby under one roof at Topps Comics, Jim shares behind-the-scenes stories that span the entire modern comics era.

They Discover how a single letter to Roy Thomas launched a legendary career, learn about the meticulous process of adapting European comics like Asterix for American audiences, and get insider perspectives on everything from the Marvel Try-Out Book to the rise and fall of Stan Lee Media. Plus, Jim opens up about mentorship, creative wellness, and what it takes to preserve an author’s voice across languages and cultures.

What You’ll Hear
• The untold story of Spidey Super Stories and working with the Children’s Television Workshop
• Behind-the-scenes tales from Marvel Age magazine and proto-social media engagement
• War stories from managing creative legends at Topps Comics
• Early digital adventures with Stan Lee Media and lessons for today’s creators
• The art of cultural translation in global comics publishing
• Insights on mentorship and avoiding industry burnout
Credits
Theme Song: Composed by Ron Wasserman

https://www.ronw.com/

Format: Long-form interview podcast featuring industry professionals, creators, and cultural historians

Perfect For: Comics fans, pop culture enthusiasts, aspiring creators, and anyone curious about the stories behind their favorite entertainment

Audio composed and engineered by Gabe Fletcher

https://gabefletcher.net/

New episodes every Thrusday. Subscribe now to never miss a conversation that could change how you see pop culture forever.

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