SDCC 2026: Bill Sienkiewicz on Bill Sienkiewicz - That Polish Guy

Every comic book reader remembers the first time they encountered Bill Sienkiewicz. Whether it was in Moon Knight, The New Mutants, Elektra: Assassin, or a recent variant for Absolute Batman, Sienkiewicz’s art smacks your eyeballs and demands your attention. You probably weren’t sure about it at first, but as your eyes refused to leave, you discovered new wonders capable in this medium called comic books. Like the first time Sienkiewicz saw a Neal Adams Superman instead of a Curt Swan Superman, his art stirs discomfort in those who’ve stewed in the routine. This week we return from San Diego Comic-Con International, and we’ve brought Bill Sienkiewicz with us. The convention premiered the trailer for his new documentary, That Polish Guy, directed by Remsy Atassi and produced by Sal Abbinanti. We were granted a sneak peek at an early edit, and it’s jammed with creators expressing their admiration for Sienkiewicz. Sienkiewicz exploded on the scene and has continued to evolve his style to this very day. We excitedly spoke to him about his relationship with comics, how discomfort is part of the deal when it comes to a lifelong passion for comics, whether you’re on the artist’s side of things or the reader’s side, and how That Polish Guy attempts to shape his story. In an effort to relate our San Diego Comic-Con experience beyond our own perspective, we also invited Badr Milligan, host of The Short Box, onto the show to explain the convention’s particular vibe from a newbie's viewpoint. This is a recap, not of the news and exclusives, although there’s some of that, but of the show’s emotional pull. Make sure you subscribe to The Short Box and follow Badr Milligan on Instagram and Bluesky. To learn more about That Polish Guy and when it will be available to watch, sign up for updates on the Sienkiewicz Art website. And follow Bill Sienkiewicz on Instagram and Bluesky. Other Relevant Links to This Week's Episode: Subscribe to the Comic Book Couples Counseling YouTube Channel Watch The Stacks, Comic Creators Name Their Favorite Comics The Extended Badr Milligan SDCC Conversation Previously on CBCC: Bill Sienkiewicz on Alliances: Orphans Comic Book Film Club: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind at the Alamo Drafthouse in Winchester, Virginia on 8/9 at 5:00 PM Final Round of Plugs (PHEW): Support the Podcast by Joining OUR PATREON COMMUNITY. And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Bluesky @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren. Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-star Review on Apple Podcasts. Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website, where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators. Podcast logo by Jesse Lonergan and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. This Week's Sponsors Glinda and the Wicked Witch finally get their romance. Vampire Snow White and Werewolf Belle must fight the evil queen, while exes-to-lovers, Sleeping Beauty and Alice, try to escape a Nightmare version of Wonderland. Kat and Phil at Lifeline Comics have been building a Kickstarter empire with their Mature Fairy Tale Universe for years…did we also mention they are queer? Well, now they are all colliding in a special Big 2-style event. Nothing will be the same. Head to Kickstarter for Fairy Tale Wars #1, which sees the popular series The Beast and Snow, Nightmare in Wonderland, and The Witches of Oz crossover for a first-of-its-kind comics event. I Love Apocalyptic Zombie Misfits! is the wild new original graphic novel from Doug Wagner and Daniel Hillyard, the twisted minds behind Plastic, Vinyl, Plush, and the current hit Image book, Narco. Imagine a post-apocalyptic world where Heaven and Hell are at war, a nerd wakes up trapped in the body of a supernatural slasher, and his only allies include a roller derby angel, a possessed truck...and immortal murder chic