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Welcome to Talking Comics! 🎙️ In this episode, AJ Reimann sits down with Josh Nealis of Cutthroat Comics & Publishing. We dive into his 10 years in indie comics, publishing for other creators, surviving the challenges of marketing, and his upcoming Kickstarter for Cocaine Stripper Stronghold #2.

Josh shares stories about working with legendary artists, his writing rituals, surviving setbacks, and what it really takes to thrive in the comic industry. If you’ve ever thought about creating your own comic, launching a Kickstarter, or navigating conventions, this episode is full of insights and laughs.

👉 Support Josh’s latest project: [https://www.cutthroatcomics.com/]

🎙 Follow Talking Comics

✨ Special Mentions/Sponsors:

We thank everyone for watching and supporting!

Thank you to Amped Comics for partnering with us and offering you 10% off your order using code TCP10 https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

👉 Hit the Kickstarter “Remind Me” button to follow the project launch (coming early 2026). https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

👉 Subscribe to Talking Comics for more creator interviews, comics talk, and behind-the-scenes updates. https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

✅ Subscribe for more interviews with comic creators and pop culture voices!

🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss an episode!

📍 Chapter Markers:

00:00 – Intro & Welcome

00:25 – Meet Josh Nealis of Cutthroat Comics

01:01 – Publishing indie comics & working with creators

02:09 – Printing costs & publishing challenges

03:18 – Marketing struggles & TikTok growth

06:00 – Writing process & backlog of ideas

07:21 – Collaborating with artists (Marvel, DC, Image)

08:34 – AJ’s comic project announcement

10:13 – Editing comics & storytelling tips

11:48 – Challenges in reaching audiences

12:49 – Kickstarter talk & online marketing

14:26 – Writing rituals & daily habits

16:01 – Balancing novels & comics

18:08 – How Josh started writing

19:35 – What readers should feel from his stories

21:24 – Dream collaborations (Kevin Eastman & more)

23:45 – Advice for aspiring creators

26:16 – Physical vs. digital comics debate

27:47 – Upcoming Kickstarter: Cocaine Stripper Stronghold

29:48 – Fun & rapid fire questions (favorite hero, series, powers, universes)

39:17 – If life were a comic… Mr. Bounceback

41:02 – AJ’s upcoming comic with Mike Alger

43:10 – How COVID shut down conventions & recovery

47:01 – Comic Con strategies & advice

49:28 – Marketing podcasts & comics at cons

50:02 – Closing & where to find Josh

#TalkingComics #IndieComics #ComicPodcast #CutthroatComics #KickstarterComics #ComicCreators #ComicBooks #PodcastInterview #MakingComics #TalkingComics #PanelPete #ComicsCommunity #ComicBooks #ComicPodcast #NewComicBookDay #ComicHaul #DollarBinDive #ComicsTrivia #IGComics #AJReimann #Comictok #YoutubeComics #IndiComics

In this episode of Talkin' Comics, AJ sits down with Jeff Haas — teacher, publicist, comic book creator, and host of the popular podcast Traverse the Stars — to talk about everything from indie comics and Kickstarter campaigns to growing a podcast audience.

We dig into:

How Jeff got started helping creators get interviews & publicity

The secrets to a successful Kickstarter campaign

The economics of paying comic artists fairly

Lessons learned from conventions & the importance of self-promotion

Jeff’s podcasting tips for hitting 1,000+ subscribers

And yes… we even talk aliens 👽

Whether you’re a comic creator, podcaster, or just love behind-the-scenes conversations with industry pros, this episode is packed with value and some laughs along the way.

📢 Follow Jeff Haas:

🔗 Traverse the Stars Podcast – @traversingthestars

🎙 Follow Talking Comics

✨ Special Mentions/Sponsors:

We thank everyone for watching and supporting!

Thank you to Amped Comics for partnering with us and offering you 10% off your order using code TCP10 https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

👉 Hit the Kickstarter “Remind Me” button to follow the project launch (coming early 2026). https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

👉 Subscribe to Talking Comics for more creator interviews, comics talk, and behind-the-scenes updates. https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

✅ Subscribe for more interviews with comic creators and pop culture voices!

🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss an episode!

⏱️ CHAPTER MARKERS

00:00 – Intro & Welcome

00:50 – How Jeff Haas Got Started in Publicity

03:15 – Building Vector Publicity & Helping Creators

05:14 – Defining Success for Kickstarter Campaigns

06:13 – Turning Down Clients & Staying True to Your Values

07:31 – Pricing & Keeping PR Affordable

09:32 – Beyond Kickstarter: Other Projects Jeff Supports

10:10 – Lessons Learned Promoting Indie Films

13:24 – Jeff’s Comic Series: The End of All Terminus

14:42 – What’s “Fair Pay” for Comic Artists?

18:03 – AJ on Writing His Own Comic & Learning the Process

22:18 – Finding the Right Artist & Avoiding Scams

24:05 – Traverse the Stars Podcast – 4 Years & Growing

25:43 – Editing Challenges & Why Silence Matters

30:24 – Jeff’s Inspiration for Podcasting & Writing

34:39 – YouTube Growth Tips: Consistency & Shameless Promotion

39:26 – Comic Conventions, Tables & Press Passes

41:25 – What Jeff Wants Listeners to Know (Publicist Work & Podcast)

42:21 – Aliens: Do They Exist?

43:44 – Favorite Superhero: Green Lantern

47:22 – First Comics Jeff Read

48:29 – Which Comic Universe Would You Live In?

50:07 – Dream Superpower & Ideal Sidekick

52:02 – If Life Were a Comic Book: The Title

53:14 – Closing Thoughts & Future Collabs

#TalkingComicsAfterDark #JeffHaas #TraverseTheStars #ComicBooks #KickstarterComics #PodcastGrowth #IndieComics #ComicBookCommunity #GreenLantern #ComicBookPodcast #PRTips #ComicBookCreators #KickstarterTips

This week AJ and Annakah dive into their weekly comic pulls, share reactions to Marvel Zombies #1 (spoilers ahead!), and spotlight Thor, Harley Quinn, Emma Frost, Spider-Man, Vampirella, and more.

We’re also joined by Conversation with Bats from TikTok for a deep-dive on Batman White Knight, favorite Bat moments, and a fun round of Batman trivia & This or That. 🦇

Follow Conversation with Bats: https://www.tiktok.com/@comicsconnversationbats

✨ Don’t miss:

Chronicles of Panel Pete Kickstarter update

Our special Panel Pete’s Pick of the Week (Twilight Zone!)

A hilarious game of Arkham vs Blackgate

Comic shop memories & collecting stories

✨ Special Mentions/Sponsors:

We thank everyone for watching and supporting!

Thank you to Amped Comics for partnering with us and offering you 10% off your order using code TCP10 https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

👉 Watch Episode 40 for the big Panel Pete comic announcement: https://youtu.be/507N-XSmRiM?si=2R6Nw0-dzLDraMdk

👉 Hit the Kickstarter “Remind Me” button to follow the project launch (coming early 2026). https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

👉 Subscribe to Talking Comics for more creator interviews, comics talk, and behind-the-scenes updates. https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

📚 Comics mentioned in this episode:

Harley Quinn #47 & #50

Emma Frost #3 & #4

Spider-Man & Wolverine #5

Mighty Thor (including #200 & #229)

Marvel Zombies #1

Vampirella Halloween Horror #1

Absolute Wonder Woman #12

Masters of the Universe #1 (alt cover)

Quick Stops Vol. 3 #2

Twilight Zone #1

If you love comics, Batman, and geek culture, hit like 👍, subscribe 🔔, and share with fellow fans!

Chapters:

0:00 – Intro & Studio Upgrades 🎧

1:30 – Shoutout: Amped Comics & Panel Pete Kickstarter 📚

3:15 – Weekly Comic Pulls (Annika’s Picks) 💥

6:00 – AJ’s Comic Haul: Thor, Harley, What If, Vampirella ⚡

12:30 – Panel Pete’s Pick of the Week: Twilight Zone 👀

15:00 – Convention Story: Clerks Autograph & VFriends Unboxing 🎁

18:30 – What We Read This Week (Batman: White Knight, TMNT, Injustice, FNAF Graphic Novels) 🐢🦇

23:00 – Special Guest: Conversation with Bats (from TikTok) 🇬🇧

24:30 – Talking Batman White Knight & Favorite Covers 🖤

29:00 – Comic Art & Storytelling Discussion ✍️

32:00 – Batman Sidekicks & “If Life Were a Comic” Question 🦸

36:00 – Arkham Asylum Trivia Game 🏥

39:30 – Batman This or That Game (Annika’s Points Madness) 🎲

46:00 – Animated Batman vs Live Action 🖥️🎬

50:00 – Mr. Freeze vs Poison Ivy ❄️🌿

52:00 – Gotham at Night vs Gotham by Day 🌃☀️

53:15 – Final Thoughts & Wrap Up ✨

#TalkingComics #ComicBookPodcast #MarvelZombies #BatmanTrivia #WeeklyPulls #HarleyQuinn #Thor #EmmaFrost #Vampirella #TwilightZone #ComicCommunity #ComicBooks #BatmanFans #DCComics #MarvelComics #IndieComics #KickstarterComics #PanelPete

In this Announcement, AJ and Mike discuss their upcoming Kickstarter project for a comic book, exploring the creative collaboration involved in writing and illustrating. They share insights on the importance of community support, the excitement of launching a project, and the various cover concepts being developed. The dialogue emphasizes the joy of working together and the challenges faced in the creative process, ultimately reflecting on the significance of indie support in the comic book industry.

👉 Hit the Kickstarter “Remind Me” button to follow the project launch (coming early 2026). https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641500179/the-chronicles-of-panel-pete

👉 Subscribe to Talking Comics for more creator interviews, comics talk, and behind-the-scenes updates. https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Support Indie Comics ✍️📚 — Every Page Tells a Story – Share, review, and promote your favorite independent creators!

Chapters

00:00 Kickstarter Project Launch Plans

09:04 Creative Collaboration and Co-Writing

18:49 Comic Book Cover Concepts

28:52 Building a Community and Indie Support

38:38 Final Thoughts and Project Reflections

#TalkingComics #PanelPete #ComicKickstarter #IndieComics #ComicCreators #MakingComics #ComicPodcast #ComicCommunity #KickstarterLaunch #BehindTheScenes #PanelPete #TheChroniclesofPanelPete

This week AJ & Annakah celebrate Batman Day with a huge comic haul, convention finds, and some hilarious trivia.

📚 In this episode:

Weekly comic pulls including Cowboys of Moo Mesa, Star Wars, Amazing Spider-Man, Deadpool & Wolverine, Fantastic Four, Marvel Zombies, Exquisite Corpses, I Hate Fairyland, and more

Con exclusive comics & Harley Quinn covers

Robin special edition & poster reveal 🦸

Thor back issues + collector finds 🔨

VeeFriends comics & collectibles unboxing 📦

Trying Mighty Mouse Soda (taste test reaction!) 🥤

Batman misprint discovery 👀

Favorite reads of the week (Absolute Batman, White Knight, Fairyland)

Movie talk (Deadpool 1, 2 & Deadpool & Wolverine marathon) 🎬

Batman trivia & villain this-or-that game 🃏

Annakah’s surprise trivia challenge 💡

This episode is packed with comics, collectibles, fun games, and a Batman Day celebration you won’t want to miss!

✨ Special Mentions/Sponsors:

We thank everyone for watching and supporting!

Thank you to Amped Comics for partnering with us and offering you 10% off your order using code TCP10 https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

🔥 Don’t forget to Like 👍 Subscribe 🔔 & Share to help us grow the Talking Comics community!

📲 Follow us on TikTok & Instagram for even more content

🔗 [https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast]

If you want to see and have more fun with Panel Pete!

Follow here{https://linktr.ee/ComicPanelPete}

Panel Pete Merch is live!!

👉 Comment your favorite Batman villain or this week’s top read!

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:56 Weekly Comic Pulls - Part 1

06:32 Weekly Comic Pulls - Part 2

09:37 Con Exclusive Comics and Special Editions

13:26 Back Issues and Collectibles

16:28 Soda Tasting Experience

17:56 Misprint Discovery in Comics

20:14 Thor Collectibles and Posters

22:04 Blind Bag Openings and Surprises

31:53 Batman Trivia Challenge

01:11:43 NEWCHAPTER

01:11:48 riverside_yt_be our guest done_talkin'_comics.mp4

01:12:13 riverside_aqu_ad (video) _ jul 11, 2025 001_aquaudio.mp4

#TalkingComics #ComicPodcast #BatmanDay #WeeklyComics #ComicHaul #HarleyQuinn #BatmanTrivia #ComicBooks #ComicCommunity #VeeFriends #IndieComics #GeekCulture

In this episode, AJ sits down with the creator of No. 2 Pencil Man, an indie hero who blends humor, creativity, and a touch of magic.

We dive into:

The origins and inspiration behind No. 2 Pencil Man ✏️

Blending magic, superheroes, and indie comics into one unique story

The creative process and building original characters 🎨

The joys and challenges of being an indie comic creator

Future plans and what’s next for Pencil Man’s world 🌍

If you love indie comics, creativity, and fresh new heroes, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly comic interviews, creator spotlights, trivia, and comic pulls.

👉 Comment your favorite indie comic hero!

👉 ✨ Special Mentions/Sponsors:

We thank everyone for watching and supporting!

Thank you to Amped Comics for partnering with us and offering you 10% off your order using code TCP10 https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

📚 Support and follow No. 2 Pencil Man:

👉https://www.tannerstalesentertainment.com/

🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify, Apple & more

🗯️ Follow us on TikTok & Instagram and more: https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

🗯️ If you want to see and have more fun with Panel Pete!

Follow here{https://linktr.ee/ComicPanelPete}

👉Panel Pete Merch is live!! https://talkin-comics-podcast.printif...

Support Indie Comics ✍️📚 — Every Page Tells a Story – Share, review, and promote your favorite independent creators!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Riverside and Podcasting Experience

04:00 The Birth of Number Two Pencil Man

09:51 Rediscovering Creativity Through Family

15:42 Building a Platform for Indie Creators

21:51 Engagement Strategies and Social Media Insights

28:46 Collaboration and Friendship in Comic Creation

36:30 Building a Brand and Engaging with Fans

46:39 The Impact of Creativity on Personal Growth

54:25 The Birth of a Unique Superhero

59:46 Creative Challenges and Growth

01:04:49 Influences and Inspirations

01:09:46 Easter Eggs and Community Building

01:15:50 The Power of Creation and Motivation

01:20:49 Future Collaborations and Distribution Plans

01:27:35 Promoting Your Work and Building Community

01:32:45 The Value of Indie Comics

#TalkingComics #No2PencilMan #IndieComics #ComicCreators #ComicPodcast #MagicAndComics #ComicCommunity #IndieHeroes #Superheroes #ComicBooks

This week Annakah & AJ dive into their weekly comic pulls, blind bag surprises, and a whole lot of laughs.

📚 This episode includes:

• Weekly comic hauls featuring She-Hulk, Harley Quinn, Absolute Batman, X-Men Alpha of the Apocalypse, Red Hulk & more
• Blind bag pulls (with some doubles… of course 😂)
• Favorite reads of the week (She-Hulk & Batman: White Knight)
• Panel Pete comic project update (covers, Kickstarter plans & exclusive variants!)
• Image Comics This or That game 🎮
• Halloween trivia 🎃 (Jack Skellington, turnip lanterns & more!

This episode is jam-packed with comic talk, blind bag fun, and a look ahead at conventions and projects coming soon!

✨ Special Mentions/Sponsors:

We thank everyone for watching and supporting!

Thank you to Amped Comics for partnering with us and offering you 10% off your order using code TCP10 https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

💬 Question of the Week:

What’s YOUR favorite trip you have taken?

🔥 Don’t forget to Like 👍 Subscribe 🔔 & Share to help us grow the Talking Comics community!

📲 Follow us on TikTok & Instagram for even more content

🔗 [https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast]

If you want to see and have more fun with Panel Pete!

Follow here{https://linktr.ee/ComicPanelPete}

Panel Pete Merch is live!!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setup

01:25 Weekly Polls and Comic Previews

06:22 Blind Bag Openings and Collectibles

11:34 Comic Reviews and Reading Goals

16:00 Looking Forward: Upcoming Comics and Shows

18:53 Exciting Developments in Comics

24:43 Kickstarter Plans and Comic Launch

26:06 Fun Trivia and Games

42:02 Halloween Themes and Traditions

#TalkingComics #ComicPodcast #ComicPulls #BlindBags #WeeklyComics #ComicBooks #SheHulk #BatmanComics #HarleyQuinn #PanelPete #IndieComics #HalloweenTrivia #ComicCommunity

In this episode of Talking Comics, AJ sits down with DeWayne Doherty, creator behind Wake Comics and titles like Liar, Blood Sable, Crescent Blue, and Shape Master.

We dive into his creative journey—from playing and coaching college football to building his own comic universe, the Wakeverse. DeWayne shares what inspired his characters, the lessons he’s learned from running successful Kickstarters, advice for aspiring comic creators, and how he balances art, storytelling, and family.

If you love comics, storytelling, creativity, and community, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly interviews, comic pulls, trivia, and nerd culture fun!

👉 ✨ Special Mentions/Sponsors:

We thank everyone for watching and supporting!

Thank you to Amped Comics for partnering with us and offering you 10% off your order using code TCP10 https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

📚 Support DeWayne Doherty & Wake Comics:

👉https://linktr.ee/rydescho

👉Liar on Kickstarter! Back now only a couple days to go!!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wakeverse/liar-0

👉Buy Wake Comics Issues

https://mixam.com/print-on-demand/wakecomics

🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify, Apple & more

🗯️ Follow us on TikTok & Instagram and more: https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

🗯️ If you want to see and have more fun with Panel Pete!

Follow here{https://linktr.ee/ComicPanelPete}

👉Panel Pete Merch is live!! https://talkin-comics-podcast.printif...

Support Indie Comics ✍️📚 — Every Page Tells a Story – Share, review, and promote your favorite independent creators!

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 to keep up with our weekly comic book conversations, Creator interviews, and more!

Chapters

00:00 Journey into Indie Comics

01:19 Kickstarter Success and Advice

04:17 Marketing Strategies for Comics

07:12 The Wakeverse and Character Development

10:16 Artistic Process and Challenges

13:19 Easter Eggs and Character Favorites

21:37 Creating Commander Nui Usamna

25:23 Inspiration Behind the Art

28:22 The Impact of Comics on Readers

28:49 Dream Collaborations in Comics

31:51 Advice for Aspiring Comic Creators

33:38 Where to Find DeWayne's Work

34:55 Fun Questions and Personal Insights

47:39 Ending

#TalkingComics #WakeComics #DeWayneDoherty #IndieComics #ComicCreators #KickstarterComics #ComicBookPodcast #LiarComic #CrescentBlue #BloodSable #ShapeMaster #Wakeverse #ComicsCommunity #SupportIndieComics #AJReimann

Episode 35 of the Talking Comics Podcast is packed with surprises! 🎙️

It is that time of year for a spooky twist — opening Batman blind bags, sharing epic comic pulls, and diving into Halloween-themed trivia. Plus, AJ recaps his trip to Seattle & Alaska, complete with comic shop finds, whales, glaciers, and a special new guest — Skelly Boney 🦴.

We also announce our first sponsor, Amped Comics, and share some of the hottest pulls of the week including Immortal Thor #1, Doctor Strange #450, Spider-Gwen by Stephanie Phillips, Harley Quinn, and more.

Whether you’re here for the comics, the trivia, or the chaos — there’s something fun for everyone in this episode!

✨ Special Mentions/Sponsors:

We thank everyone for watching and supporting!

Thank you to Amped Comics for partnering with us and offering you 10% off your order using code TCP10 https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

💬 Question of the Week:

What’s YOUR favorite trip you have taken?

🔥 Don’t forget to Like 👍 Subscribe 🔔 & Share to help us grow the Talking Comics community!

📲 Follow us on TikTok & Instagram for even more content

🔗 [https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast]

If you want to see and have more fun with Panel Pete!

Follow here{https://linktr.ee/ComicPanelPete}

Panel Pete Merch is live!!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

02:05 Comic Book Haul and New Releases

05:28 Blind Bag Openings and Reactions

08:44 Reading and Watching Updates

15:42 Trivia Time: Halloween Comic Questions

31:16 Wrap-Up and Future Plans

33:06 Ending

#Comics #TalkingComics #ComicCon #SlabbedComics #HarleyQuinn #TalkingComics #ComicBookPodcast #Batman #ComicHaul #HalloweenTrivia #HarleyQuinn #SpiderGwen #ImmortalThor #DoctorStrange #ComicCollectors #ComicBookCommunity #Thor #Superman #panelpete

In this engaging conversation, Zay, a graphic designer and comic creator from Denver, shares his journey into the world of comics, his creative process, and the challenges he faces as an indie creator. He discusses his involvement with Radical Comics, his upcoming projects, and the importance of honoring his heritage through storytelling. Zay emphasizes the need for aspiring creators to make their work known and offers insights into the creative process, including the tools he uses and the inspirations behind his work. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, fun questions, and Zay's aspirations for the future.

If you love comics, storytelling, creativity, and community, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly interviews, comic pulls, trivia, and nerd culture fun!

👉 Share your favorite indie comic or magical story in the comments!

📲 Follow Zay

https://www.instagram.com/zaytive/

🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify, Apple & more

🗯️ Follow us on TikTok & Instagram and more: https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

🗯️ If you want to see and have more fun with Panel Pete!

Follow here{https://linktr.ee/ComicPanelPete}

Panel Pete Merch is live!! https://talkin-comics-podcast.printif...

Support Indie Comics ✍️📚 — Every Page Tells a Story – Share, review, and promote your favorite independent creators!

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 to keep up with our weekly comic book conversations, Creator interviews, and more!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges

00:37 Zay's Background and Artistic Journey

02:20 Involvement with Radical Comics

05:26 Upcoming Projects and Inspirations

07:04 Creative Process and Challenges

10:02 Influences and Artistic Style

13:25 Easter Eggs and Humor in Comics

16:14 Future Plans and Collaborations

24:32 Introducing Detective Mondragon

27:58 The Creative Process and Inspirations

31:52 Advice for Aspiring Comic Creators

37:09 Current Projects and Future Releases

44:29 Fun and Personal Stories

#TalkingComics #IndieComics #ZayMagic #ComicPodcast #ComicCommunity #ComicCreators #MagicAndComics #Storytelling #GeekCulture #NerdCulture #PopCulturePodcast #panelpete