AquAudio Media

In this episode of Talkin’ Comics, AJ sits down with indie comic creator Malcolm McFadden, founder of 615 Comics, to talk about building a comic universe from scratch, finding artists, Kickstarter strategies, and the real grind behind indie comics.

Malcolm shares his journey from ideas to published books, lessons learned (including getting ghosted by artists 😬), and advice for creators looking to launch their own comics.

We also dive into:

Kickstarter strategies (before, during & after launch)

Finding artists on Instagram vs Fiverr

Convention experiences & selling comics

Building a comic universe with multiple titles

Promoting your comic every single day

🎯 PLUS: Malcolm talks about his upcoming Kickstarter for Thema: The Queen of War — a fantasy epic with gods, monsters, and magic!

👇 Don’t forget to:

👍 Like

💬 Comment your favorite indie comic

🔔 Subscribe for more creator conversations

Host: A.J. Reimann https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Guest: Malcolm McFadden https://linktr.ee/sixfifteencomics

🗯️New Website: https://www.talkincomics.com/

📰Sign up for our newsletter 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

🫵 Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingComicsPodcast

👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk

Sponsors:

• Allegra Printing – Printing The Chronicles of Panel Pete

👉🖨 For your comic book printing needs please visit Allegra Traverse City (Tell them AJ Sent You) https://www.allegramarketingprint.com...

Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc

⏱️ Chapters

Introduction to Malcolm McFadden & 615 Comics (00:00 – 01:34)

The Creative Process: Writing vs. Illustrating (01:34 – 02:48)

The "Con" Experience & Grassroots Marketing (03:27 – 06:44)

Developing a Script & Collaborative Tools (06:44 – 08:25)

Working with Artists: The Good and the Ghosted (08:25 – 10:32)

Homages to the Indie Community (10:32 – 14:48)

The Kickstarter Grind (14:48 – 20:33)

Overcoming the "Mid-Campaign Slump" (20:33 – 32:10)

Preview: Thema, The Queen of War (32:10 – 34:17)

Rapid Fire: Fun Questions & Origins (34:17 – 42:12)

#IndieComics #ComicCreators #KickstarterComics #MakeComics #ComicBooks #SelfPublishing #IndieCreators #TalkinComics #Crowdfunding #ComicArt

This week on Talkin' Comics, we dive into a Daredevil-packed episode! From weekly comic pulls to Daredevil trivia, blind bag openings, and our comic character bracket reaching its epic conclusion—this episode has it all.

We also reveal brand new Talkin' Comics merch (shirts, hats, and stickers 👀), talk about our upcoming convention appearance, and share updates on the Kickstarter—only ONE WEEK LEFT!

PLUS: Did Daredevil actually win our entire bracket?! You’ll have to watch to find out.

👉 Shop merch, comics & more: TalkinComics.com

👉 Support the Kickstarter before it ends! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641500179/the-chronicles-of-panel-pete

Host: A.J. Reimann

Co-Host: Annakhan

📰 Full episode blog on Substack 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk

Hit like, subscribe, and check out all things Panel Pete below!

https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Sponsors:

• AMPED Comics – Use code TCP10 for 10% off https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

• Allegra Printing – Printing The Chronicles of Panel Pete

👉🖨 For your comic book printing needs please visit Allegra Traverse City (Tell them AJ Sent You) https://www.allegramarketingprint.com...

Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Episode Overview

02:17

Weekly Comic Pulls and Recommendations

05:16

Reading and Watching Updates

07:39

Upcoming Convention and Cosplay Plans

12:29

Mail Time: New Merchandise Unboxing

22:21

Daredevil Trivia and Fun Facts

25:11

Daredevil Trivia Challenge

26:44

Exploring Daredevil's Origins

30:38

Daredevil's Allies and Enemies

32:52

Comic Book Bracket Showdown

36:54

Final Selections and Surprises

41:41

This or That: Daredevil Edition

49:37

Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

#TalkingComics #Daredevil #ComicBooks #MarvelComics #ComicPodcast #WeeklyPulls #ComicHaul #IndieComics #KickstarterComics #GeekCulture

This week on Talking Comics, we sit down with Marvel & DC & Ignition Press writer Stephanie Williams to talk about:

Breaking into comics professionally

Running a successful Kickstarter

Writing for Marvel and DC

Creator-owned vs mainstream comics

REAL advice for aspiring comic creators

Plus—we share our journey of funding and printing our FIRST comic!

If you’re an indie creator, comic fan, or looking to break into the industry—this episode is for you.

Host: A.J. Reimann https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Co-Host: Annakhan

📰 Full episode blog on Substack 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

👉 Back the Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641500179/the-chronicles-of-panel-pete

👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk

Hit like, subscribe, and check out all things Panel Pete below!

https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Sponsors:

• AMPED Comics – Use code TCP10 for 10% off https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

• Allegra Printing – Printing The Chronicles of Panel Pete

👉🖨 For your comic book printing needs please visit Allegra Traverse City (Tell them AJ Sent You) https://www.allegramarketingprint.com...

Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc

👇 What’s YOUR dream comic project?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:32 Journey into Comics and Writing

04:37 Kickstarter Experience and Advice

10:40 Creative Process and Inspirations

16:49 Writing for Major Publishers

22:37 Upcoming Projects and Conventions

28:55 Exciting New Projects: Street Sharks Annual

31:23 The Creative Process: From Script to Art

33:50 Collaboration in Comics: The Writer-Artist Dynamic

34:52 Fun and Games: This or That with Creators

42:49 Comic Book Favorites: Characters and Universes

48:20 Life as a Comic: Personal Reflections and Insights

#IndieComics #ComicCreators #KickstarterComics #MarvelComics #DCComics #ComicWriting #SelfPublishing #GeekCulture #TalkingComics #ComicCommunity #IgnitionPress

Episode 100 is here! 🎉

In this special milestone episode of Talkin' Comics, we celebrate ONE YEAR of the show, reflect on our journey, and dive into everything we love about comics.

We cover:

Our first convention experience 🎪

Kickstarter officially FUNDED 🚀

Weekly comic pulls & reads 📚

Round of 16 Hero/Villain Bracket 🔥

Fun trivia, games, and classic moments

Plus, we look back at how far the show has come and what’s next!

👉 Support the Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641500179/the-chronicles-of-panel-pete

👉 Join our Substack for behind-the-scenes updates

https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

👉 Follow us for more comic content every week

https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Thanks for being part of the journey—here’s to 100 more!

Sponsors:

• AMPED Comics – Use code TCP10 for 10% off https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

• Allegra Printing – Printing The Chronicles of Panel Pete

👉🖨 For your comic book printing needs please visit Allegra Traverse City (Tell them AJ Sent You) https://www.allegramarketingprint.com...

Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc

🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

Chapters

00:00

Celebrating Episode 100: A Year in Review

01:43

Comic Picks and Weekly Reads

09:10

Convention Experience: Nerdfest Highlights

16:40

Cosplay Contest and Community Engagement

19:17

Upcoming conventions and the Kickstarter

22:25

Evolution of Thumbnails and Comic Announcements

26:12

Memorable Episodes and Guest Appearances

31:27

Question Time: Fun and Games

43:32

Round of Sixteen: Superhero Showdown

#TalkinComics #ComicBooks #ComicPodcast #IndieComics #KickstarterComics #ComicCon #Marvel #DCComics #GeekCulture #YouTubeComics

In this episode of Talking Comics, AJ sits down with indie comic creator Nathan Rouse, the mind behind Jupiter Man and the expanding Adelverse.

Nathan shares his journey from playing college football to creating his own comic universe, the lessons he learned from selling a character too early, and the challenges of launching a Kickstarter.

We dive into:

Writing your first comic book

Working with artists

Avoiding scams in indie comics

Kickstarter strategies that actually work, Back Jupiterman: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/idolverzebiz/the-legacy-of-jupiterman-ep1and2

Building your own universe from scratch

If you're a comic creator, writer, or fan of indie storytelling—this episode is for you.

Follow Nathan: https://dot.cards/mrunchainedunlimited

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and support indie creators!

Host: A.J. Reimann https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

📰 Full episode blog on Substack 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

👉 Our Kickstarter is live and funded! Now lets unlock some stretch goals! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641500179/the-chronicles-of-panel-pete

👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk

Sponsors:

👉• AMPED Comics – Use code TCP10 for 10% off https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

👉• Allegra Printing – Printing The Chronicles of Panel Pete

🖨 For your comic book printing needs please visit Allegra Traverse City (Tell them AJ Sent You) https://www.allegramarketingprint.com...

Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc

Chapters

00:00 Kickstarter Launch and Comic Creation

02:58 Background and Love for Comics

07:02 The Inspiration Behind Writing Comics

11:04 Challenges in Comic Creation and Collaboration

15:06 Feedback and Improvement in Comic Writing

19:40 The Art of Collaboration in Storytelling

22:04 Transforming Ideas into Visual Narratives

24:49 The Journey of Comic Creation

28:58 Kickstarter Experiences and Lessons Learned

32:57 Branding and Marketing Strategies for Creators

38:13 Creating Comics with a Purpose

41:07 The Journey of Creation and Community

44:38 Finding Belonging in the Comic Community

47:40 The Power of Storytelling and Self-Discovery

52:54 Building a Universe: The Writer's Perspective

#IndieComics #ComicBooks #KickstarterComics #WritingComics #SelfPublishing #TalkingComics #ComicCreators #JupiterMan #IndieCreators #ComicPodcast

Welcome to Talking Comics Episode 98! We’re just ONE week away from Episode 100 and celebrating one full year of podcasting 🎉

In this episode:

Our journey to 100 episodes

Kickstarter update (almost funded!)

Preparing for our FIRST convention booth

Weekly comic pulls & favorites

This Week in Comic History

Special guest segment with Braxton Cosby Check out his new book Yasuke at cosbymediaproductions.com Amazon and Barns & Noble!

Comic character bracket madness

We also talk about creating comics, selling at conventions, and what it takes to grow in the comic space.

👉 Support the Kickstarter: [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641500179/the-chronicles-of-panel-pete]

👉 Follow for more comic content, podcasts, and creator insights! https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Host: A.J. Reimann

Co-Host: Annakhan

📰 Full episode blog on Substack 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

👉 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

👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk

Sponsors:

• AMPED Comics – Use code TCP10 for 10% off https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

• Allegra Printing – Printing The Chronicles of Panel Pete

👉🖨 For your comic book printing needs please visit Allegra Traverse City (Tell them AJ Sent You) https://www.allegramarketingprint.com...

Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Episode Milestones

05:20

Upcoming Projects and Special Events

09:15

Comic Book Highlights and Weekly Polls

18:44

Comic History and Trivia

35:07

Question Time and Sponsorship Ideas

41:55

This or That: Superhero Matchups

#ComicPodcast #IndieComics #ComicBooks #KickstarterComics #GeekCulture #NerdLife #Marvel #DCComics #PodcastLife #ComicCreators

What happens when a legendary blade tells its own story?

This week on Talking Comics, AJ sits down with Doug Marcaida, known for his role on the History Channel’s Forged in Fire, to talk about his new comic book Lineage.

Doug shares how decades of martial arts, Filipino blade culture, and storytelling inspired a unique comic where the blade itself narrates history as it passes through generations.

We dive into:

The inspiration behind Lineage

Martial arts influences in storytelling

Creating authentic fight choreography for comics

Launching the comic through Kickstarter

Why community and legacy are central to the project

Doug also talks about his journey from U.S. Air Force veteran to TV personality to comic creator, and why he believes everyone has a story worth passing down.

If you love comics, martial arts, storytelling, or behind-the-scenes creator stories, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Follow Doug Marcaida on Insta and YouTube @DougMarcaida

Last day to support the kickstarter live but late pledges will be available!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kidheroes/doug-marcaidas-lineage-2-4-comic?ref=profile_created&category_id=250

Host: A.J. Reimann

📰 Full episode blog on Substack 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

👉 Hit the Kickstarter is live for The Chronicles of Panel Pete!! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641500179/the-chronicles-of-panel-pete

👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk

Sponsors:

• AMPED Comics – Use code TCP10 for 10% off https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

• Allegra Printing – Printing The Chronicles of Panel Pete

👉🖨 For your comic book printing needs please visit Allegra Traverse City (Tell them AJ Sent You) https://www.allegramarketingprint.com...

Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Content Overview

00:10 Doug Mercati’s Background in Martial Arts and Military

01:13 The Concept of Lineage in His Comic Series

03:03 Cultural Significance of Blades in History and Culture

04:56 Personal Journey and Leaving a Legacy

06:19 Designing Functional Blades and Cultural Symbols

07:59 Crowdfunding and Community Involvement

09:51 Future Plans and New Issues

12:05 Advice for Aspiring Creators

14:01 The Creative Process and Collaboration

17:04 Storytelling Through Art and Easter Eggs

21:03 The Poetic and Symbolic Elements of the Comic

25:58 Cultural and Martial Arts Influences in the Art

31:47 The Power of Community and Passing Down Stories

#TalkingComics

#DougMarcaida

#ForgedInFire

#LineageComic

#ComicBooks

#IndieComics

#ComicCreators

#KickstarterComics

#MartialArts

#ComicPodcast

In this special LIVE episode of Talking Comics, we celebrate a huge milestone — The Chronicles of Panel Pete is officially printed and the Kickstarter is LIVE!

We talk about our trip to the printer, what it was like seeing the comic come off the press for the first time, and everything included in the Kickstarter campaign.

You’ll also hear about the comic creation process, Kickstarter rewards, collectible sticker packs, stretch goals, and more as we hit the launch button live!

We are also joined by the artist Mike Alger and Cover Artist Colin Hawkins! They join in on a really fun game of This or That, you will not want to miss!

If you love indie comics, comic creation, and behind-the-scenes storytelling, this episode is for you.

📚 Support the Kickstarter

👉 (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641500179/the-chronicles-of-panel-pete)

🎙 Talking Comics is a family-friendly podcast about comics, movies, games, shows, and creator conversations.

Host: A.J. Reimann

Co-Host: Annakhan

📰 Full episode blog on Substack 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

Sponsors:

• AMPED Comics – Use code TCP10 for 10% off https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

• Allegra Printing – Printing The Chronicles of Panel Pete

👉🖨 For your comic book printing needs please visit Allegra Traverse City (Tell them AJ Sent You) https://www.allegramarketingprint.com...

Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Live Launch Preparation

01:03 Traverse City Trip and Comic Printing Experience

04:03 Weekly Comic Polls and New Acquisitions

06:44 Kickstarter Launch and Project Details

09:49 Discussion on Comic Covers and Rewards

12:44 Comic History and Notable Events

15:56 Engagement with Viewers and Backers

18:38 Wrap-Up and Future Plans

37:00 The Dynamic Duo: Collaboration in Creativity

37:51 Creative Processes: Drawing vs. Writing

39:57 Solo vs. Team: The Creative Dilemma

42:58 Traditional vs. Digital: The Art Debate

46:12 The Importance of Originality in Art

48:46 One-Shot vs. Long-Running Series: Storytelling Choices

50:53 Glossy vs. Matte: The Aesthetic of Pages

53:38 Unlocking the Mystery of Stretch Goals

56:36 The Fun of Comic Creation and Collaboration

59:43 The Experience of Printing and Signing Comics

01:03:57 Building Community Through Comic Conventions

01:09:14 Creative Freedom in Comic Art and Storytelling

01:15:05 Reflections on the Kickstarter Journey

#IndieComics

#ComicKickstarter

#MakingComics

#ComicPodcast

#KickstarterComics

#SelfPublishing

#ComicCreators

#TalkingComics

This week on Talking Comics we sit down with comic creator and publisher Keith Foster from Invader Comics!

Keith shares his journey from discovering comics in the 80s to writing multiple series and helping run Invader Comics. We dive into the origins of his newest comic Space Minotaur, the wild story behind how the idea came from misreading a comic title in a dollar bin, and what it takes to publish indie comics today.

We also talk about:

• The creation of Space Minotaur Add to your pull list here, https://leagueofcomicgeeks.com/comics/series/205320/space-minotaur

• Invader Comics and publishing creator-owned books www.invadecomics.com

• Advice for new comic writers and artists

• The process of learning to draw and write comics

• Why comics are an underrated gateway into reading

If you love indie comics, comic creation, and hearing behind-the-scenes stories from creators, this episode is for you!

📚 Don’t forget to support indie comics and check out Space Minotaur when it releases!

Chapters

00:00 The Evolution of Podcasting and Content Creation

02:15 The Birth of Invader Comics

11:56 The Art of Graphic Design and Interpretation

18:36 Finding the Right Artist and Collaboration

26:21 Introducing Space Minotaur: A Unique Concept

33:21 Advice for Aspiring Creators: Narrowing the Gap

40:53 The Journey of Improvement in Golf

48:43 Insights on Comic Book Publishing

56:56 Personal Favorites and Comic Book Nostalgia

01:02:50 Life Reflections and Comic Book Titles

#Comics

#IndieComics

#ComicCreators

#InvaderComics

#SpaceMinotaur

#ComicPodcast

#ComicBookInterview

#MakingComics

#ComicBooks

#TalkingComics

In this episode of Talking Comics, we take you behind the scenes of one of the most exciting moments of our comic journey — printing our first run of Billy’s Bad Day: The Chronicles of Panel Pete.

After months of work, we traveled to Allegra Printing in Traverse City, Michigan to experiment with paper types, test cover prints, and run the final books through the stapling and trimming machines ourselves.

From picking interior paper to stacking freshly printed comics off the machine, this was the moment our indie comic truly became real.

We also reveal the different covers, talk about the production process, and share the story behind bringing Panel Pete from idea to finished comic book.

Kickstarter launches soon — and we finally have copies in our hands!

👉 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

If you love comics, indie creators, and seeing how books are actually made, this episode is for you.

Host: A.J. Reimann

Co-Host: Annakhan

📰 Full episode blog on Substack 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk

Sponsors:

• AMPED Comics – Use code TCP10 for 10% off https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

• Allegra Printing – Printing The Chronicles of Panel Pete

👉🖨 For your comic book printing needs please visit Allegra Traverse City (Tell them AJ Sent You) https://www.allegramarketingprint.com...

Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

02:43 The Printing Process: From Concept to Creation

06:19 Finalizing the Comic: Quality and Sentimentality

08:47 Reflections on the Journey and Experience

11:59 Fun Character Discussions and Comic Insights

#ComicBooks

#IndieComics

#MakingComics

#ComicPrinting

#PanelPete

#TalkingComics

#ComicCreators

#KickstarterComics

#BehindTheScenes

#ComicCommunity