Few performers have left a bigger mark for Baby Gen X and Elder Millennials (AKA Xennials) on animation than Billy West.

For decades, the legendary voice actor has brought to life some of television and film’s most recognizable characters, from original creations such as Stimpy in, “The Ren & Stimpy Show,” Doug Funnie in, “Doug” and Philip J. Fry, Dr. Zoidberg, Professor Farnsworth and Zapp Brannigan in “Futurama,” to iconic characters including Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd in, “Space Jam,” as well as Popeye and Woody Woodpecker.

Even if you don’t know his name, you’ve heard his work and belly laughed at it. Odds are, you can even recite a few of his lines from memory.

West’s remarkable career is now the subject of his new autobiography, “Voice-A-Versa,” which is available for preorder ahead of its July 14, 2026, release from Abrams Books.

In the memoir, West traces his unlikely path to becoming one of the most celebrated voice actors of his generation. He recounts how a radio call-in contest opened the door to performing comedy sketches on Boston morning radio, how a one-time appearance on “The Howard Stern Show,” evolved into a regular role and how a leap to Hollywood led to a career defining some of animation’s most beloved characters while collaborating with some of the industry’s most influential creators.

But “Voice-A-Versa,” is more than a behind-the-scenes look at a legendary career.

West also offers a candid account of the childhood trauma that shaped him long before audiences knew his voice. The memoir explores the painful experiences that fueled his creativity, revealing how hardship helped give rise to the expansive collection of characters he calls the “Billy-verse.”

Ahead of the book’s release, I caught up with West to discuss the stories behind his extraordinary career, the personal journey chronicled in “Voice-A-Versa,” and the lasting legacy of the voices that have entertained generations.

To preorder “Voice-A-Versa,” visit Abrams Books at https://www.abramsbooks.com/product/voice-a-versa_9781419780899/.

The last time I spoke with Sloane M. Siegel, he was bringing one of DC’s most beloved heroes to life. As the voice of Robin, AKA Tim Drake, in ‘Gotham Knights’ (Sloane Morgan Siegel Talks 'Gotham Knights' and 'Dwight in Shining Armor'), Siegel stepped into the role of the brilliant young detective and member of the Bat-Family in the action role-playing video game based on Batman and DC Comics.

Since then, the award-winning actor has continued building an impressive career both on-screen and behind the microphone. Fans know him from roles including Dwight in ‘Shining Armor’, ‘Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street’, CBS’ ‘Pure Genius’, ‘Partners’, ABC’s ‘Modern Family’ and Nickelodeon’s ‘Big Time Rush’.

I recently caught up with Siegel to discuss his transition from actor to comic book creator, the inspiration behind his passion project and what readers can expect from the dark and dangerous world as writer and co-creator of Mad Cave Studios’ ‘Lazarus Order’, he is helping bring a fantasy world to readers alongside illustrator Juan Doe and letterer DC Hopkins.

Set in a medieval world where illness can trigger horrifying monstrous transformations, ‘Lazarus Order’ follows an elite group of plague doctors who serve as humanity’s final defense against chaos. Bound by sacred oaths and gifted with supernatural abilities, members of the Lazarus Order sacrifice their freedom and ultimately themselves as the powers they wield slowly consume them. The story centers on Doctor Damien, a cautious and protocol-driven physician, and Edward Talis, a seasoned and charismatic veteran, as they uncover a looming threat tied to the mysterious First Sickness. Facing vampires, werewolves, Rattusvir sufferers, the undead and countless other horrors, the pair find themselves at the center of a battle that could determine the fate of the Order itself.

‘Lazarus Order’ arrives on August 19, 2026 and pre-orders for both digital and physical editions now available through Mad Cave Studios.

To pre-order ‘Lazarus Order’ from Mad Cave Studios, visit: https://madcavestudios.com/product/lazarus-order-issue-1/.

I recently spoke with David Hedgecock about the Kickstarter campaign for Super Kaiju Rock-n-Roller Derby Fun Time Go!: Fuji Flames, which runs through Friday, June 19, 2026.

A veteran publishing and media executive with more than two decades of experience, Hedgecock has held key leadership roles across the comics industry. His background includes helping grow Ape Entertainment from a startup graphic novel publisher into a successful company with significant revenue growth, as well as serving as Managing Editor, Editor-in-Chief and Associate Publisher at IDW Publishing, one of North America’s leading comic book and graphic novel publishers.

The latest installment in Hedgecock’s Super Kaiju Rock-n-Roller Derby Fun Time Go! series follows a group of struggling roller derby stars who may be humanity’s last hope against giant kaiju monsters bent on destroying the world. After encountering Balam, a colossal creature from the jungles of Belize, and Sequoia, a towering kaiju made entirely of ancient redwoods, the band heads to Japan for a concert tour. What awaits them there will change their lives and potentially the fate of the entire planet.

Like previous entries in the series, Fuji Flames is a 48-page full-color hardcover graphic novella featuring interior artwork by Rolando Mallada. The campaign also includes pinups and limited-edition dust jacket covers from a variety of acclaimed comic artists.

Presented in an oversized magazine-format hardcover, the book features lay-flat sewn binding, spot varnish and upgraded paper stock designed to create a durable and visually striking collectible edition.

Multiple pledge packages included various perks.

Follow David Hedgecock on Instagram @dehedgecock.

To pre-order Super Kaiju Rock-n-Roller Derby Fun Time Go!: Fuji Flames visit: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/funtimego/super-kaiju-rock-n-roller-derby-fun-time-go-fuji-flames/description.

Super Kaiju Rock-n-Roller Derby Fun Time Go!: Fuji Flames, Kickstarter campaign runs through Friday, June 19, 2026.