“Beyond the Synopsis” is a show from PopCultHQ‘s podcast – PodCultHQ – where we interview comic book creators and discuss their latest project(s). It might be the next exciting issue of a miniseries or ongoing, an upcoming title launch, a pre-order push, or the release of a trade paperback, hardcover collected edition, or an original graphic novel. And while a synopsis provides a sample of what you can expect with any release, “Beyond the Synopsis” seeks to explore the project(s) even further. Through interviews with the creator(s), we provide even more reasons for you to check out, pick up, pre-order, or snag yourself a copy.
For episode three of BEYOND THE SYNOPSIS, I spoke with creator/writer Steve Orlando at WonderCon 2024 about his upcoming title at Magma Comix entitled THE SCALE TRADE.
The Eisner Award nominated writer teams with Megan Huang (Star Wars, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) for this fantasy-meets-reality story that’s sure to make your heart race and warm it as well. Plus, each issue features a variant cover by Max Dunbar (Dungeons & Dragons)!
Here’s a look at the debut issue of THE SCALE TRADE,
which hits stands on Wednesday, May 1st!
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THE SCALE TRADE #1
Written by Steve Orlando
Art by Megan Huang
Covers & Cover Artists:
Cover A by Megan Huang
(Diamond Order Code: MAR241780)
(Lunar Order Code: 0324MM383)
Cover B by Max Dunbar
(Diamond Order Code: MAR241781)
(Lunar Order Code: 0324MM384)
Cover C by Walt Simonson (Incentive Variant)
(Diamond Order Code: MAR241782)
Final Order Cutoff (FOC) – April 7 (Lunar) / April 8 (Diamond)
In a modern-day world one step removed from our own, dragons are a highly respected-and highly endangered-species, but poaching is an existential threat. When a young idealist joins the federal agency tasked with managing dragon populations, he quickly discovers that the entire system is corrupt. After seeing firsthand the cruelty of the system, our newly radicalized dragon savior takes matters into his own hands!
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Time to listen to the interview!
BEYOND THE SYNOPSIS – Ep. 3 w/ Steve Orlando of THE SCALE TRADE
Big thanks to Steve Orlando for taking the time out to speak with us at PopCultHQ & PodCultHQ. Hit up your local comic shop or favorite online retailer and pre-order NOW through Monday, April 8th to reserve your copy of THE SCALE TRADE #1 – available Wednesday, May 1st!
Follow Steve Orlando Online!
Best known for MIDNIGHTER, BATMAN/THE SHADOW, WONDER WOMAN and SCARLET WITCH, Steve Orlando is a GLAAD, Ringo, and Eisner nominated writer, and Harvey Award winning editor and localizer. His comics work has appeared under the DC, Marvel, Image, Aftershock, IDW, BOOM!, and Ablaze banners—and more. As a food writer, he’s written for Epicurious. Outside of comics as well, he’s written for Cartoon Network’s BEN 10, as well as having been featured in National Geographic Magazine. In 2021, he teamed with AMC and SHUDDER’s the Boulet Brothers to take over HEAVY METAL MAGAZINE. In 2023, he launched FEEDING DANGEROUSLY with award-winning chef and humanitarian Jose Andres at TKO Studios.
Follow Magma Comix Online!
Magma Comix was founded in 2020 with the vision to create extraordinary stories that move and entertain mature audiences across the globe. Since releasing our first titles in partnership with legendary Heavy Metal Magazine, we’ve grown into an independent publisher committed to empowering comic book creators with the freedom and support necessary to make their 100% creator-owned passion projects that will excite and enthrall our readers. We’re constantly reimagining how to fulfill our promise of delivering a consistent, on-time product line that is produced to the highest standards.
Follow WonderCon Online!
WonderCon, one of the country’s best comics and popular arts conventions, features 900+ exhibitors in a 412,000 square foot Exhibit Hall filled with comics, original art, toys, and merchandise from many popular artists, publishers, and retailers.
Attendees can expect exclusive movie & television programming, panels featuring the top comics publishers in the country, anime, autographs, games, the Masquerade, and portfolio review. WonderCon offers the complete convention experience!
Follow PodCultHQ Online!
PodCultHQ is PopCultHQ’s official podcast. Maintained & managed by Jason Bennett, PodCultHQ is a feature-filled, ear candy of content highlighting the comic book, cosplay, and convention communities.
You can expect exclusive interviews with comic book creators, previous video features returning in audio format (“Pants Optional” Zoom interviews), crowdfunding promotions (“Just Kickin’ It!“), a deeper dive into the comic book world (“Industry Insider“), unpublished material finally seeing the light of day (“From the Vault“), plus so much more. And, of course, idle chatter.
And be on the lookout for some new, fun & exciting, outside-the-box shows, including a talk show, a weekend wrapup broadcast, and an amateur rap competition for comic creators where you, the fans, can vote for your favorite each week through our toll-free number! Crazy, right? Yeah, we question our sanity a lot of times. Every now and then, it replies.
Celebrate your fandom with us… audibly!
Follow Jason Bennett Online!
Jason Bennett (@TahoeJBennett) is a writer & chief editor for PopCultHQ, As a team member since PopCultHQ’s inception, Jason has written over 8,300 articles covering all aspects of pop culture. He established relationships with many of the comic book publishers with whom we work on a regular basis. Whether sharing news from the comic book industry, conducting spoiler-free reviews, interviewing creators, or working with publicity reps, he is dedicated in promoting those within the comic book scene, giving people a platform to share their projects, as well as always seeking to find ways in which PopCultHQ can grow and improve. Jason also attends comic conventions, representing PopCultHQ as a member of the press, and can often be seen at conventions up and down the west coast.
Follow PopCultHQ Online!
PopCultHQ is a professional entertainment media company covering all things pop culture, with concentrations in comic books, cosplay, and conventions. We have exclusive interviews with comic book creators, cosplayers, publishers, local comic shops, and entertainment celebrities. PopCultHQ is also active on the convention scene, covering many events on-site to obtain & provide exclusive content for our viewing audience. Celebrate your fandom with us!
