In Episode 9 of Behind the Panels, we switch things up for a special conversation with Ashley Alvarez (Apothic Ash) — an event organizer, creative, and advocate for mental health and community building.

This episode goes beyond comics and dives into something just as important for creators:

Having a space to connect, create, and take care of yourself.

Ashley shares her journey of creating events that bring together artists, gamers, cosplayers, and creatives from all backgrounds — building environments where people can network, collaborate, and simply feel seen.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The importance of community in the creative space
• How events can spark collaborations and long-term connections
• Mental health, burnout, and navigating creative pressure
• The impact of isolation and the need for real human interaction
• Creating safe spaces for artists to express themselves
• Turning passion into purpose through events and outreach

We also touch on real conversations around depression, self-doubt, and how creators can channel those experiences into their work instead of letting it define them .

This episode is a reminder that while creating can sometimes feel like a solo journey — community is what keeps it alive.

🎙️ Subscribe to Behind the Panels for real conversations with creators, innovators, and community builders shaping the indie space and beyond.

In Episode 8 of Behind the Panels, we sit down with Todd Rayner, owner of Dark Space Studios and creator/artist behind the Luke Bloody Tooth series.

We dive into his latest project, Luke Bloody Tooth #3, now live on Kickstarter, and explore the world he’s building across his connected titles Icepick and Annabelle — all part of the same dark and evolving universe.

Beyond the projects, this episode shifts into a deeper conversation about the question every creator eventually faces:

What actually makes a comic sell?

In this episode, we discuss:

• The story and world behind Luke Bloody Tooth, Icepick, and Annabelle
• Building a connected comic universe
• The importance of first impressions and cover design
• What makes readers pick up a book
• Concept vs execution
• Presentation, branding, and audience perception
• The balance between quality storytelling and market appeal

Selling a comic isn’t just about having a great idea — it’s about how that idea is presented, positioned, and delivered to your audience.

If you’re an indie creator, comic fan, or someone looking to understand what separates books that move from those that don’t, this episode offers real insight from both a creative and strategic perspective.

🩸 Support Luke Bloody Tooth #3 on Kickstarter
🎙️ Subscribe to Behind the Panels for in-depth conversations with independent creators about storytelling, craft, and the realities of building in the indie comic space.

In this episode of Behind The Panels, we sit down with an incredible group of creators from across the comic industry to talk about the power of collaboration, creator routines, and the projects they’re building.

Joining us on the panel:

🎨 Nicholas Ladendorf – artist and creator of the Webtoon series Retcon, where we dive into his creative process, storytelling approach, and how he’s building his world in the Webtoon space.

✍️ Justin Quizon & Earl Baylon – co-writers behind Doug Marcaida’s Lineage comic series. We talk about their collaborative writing process, working within an established universe, and what it takes to bring a project like Lineage to life.

Along the way we discuss:
• The importance of collaboration in comics
• Creator routines and how artists and writers stay productive
• What it takes to build and sustain a project
• Behind-the-scenes insights into their current work

And somewhere along the way… we also discover everyone’s favorite Taco Bell menu items 🌮😂

Because sometimes the best conversations happen when creators just sit down and talk.

If you're a creator, comic fan, or someone building your own project, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

Episode 6 of Behind the Panels dives into the heart of storytelling — why creators feel compelled to build worlds, and what it really takes to revise, refine, and evolve a story before it ever reaches readers.

Joining the conversation:

🩸 Chris, creator of Fear The Incisors — a horror series exploring tension, atmosphere, and the darker edges of imagination.

🪓 Jonathan Colton of Colton Comics — creator of Paul Bunyan vs Dracula and Three Brothers Gruff, bold reimaginings of folklore and legendary figures with a modern twist.

Both projects are currently live for backing on FundMyComics.com.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why creators feel driven to tell the stories they tell
• Horror and myth as reflections of personal perspective
• The emotional side of storytelling
• The art of revision and rewriting
• Killing your darlings and strengthening your work
• Growth through editing and creative evolution

Creating isn’t just about having an idea — it’s about refining it, reshaping it, and being willing to challenge your own work in pursuit of something stronger.

If you’re an indie creator, horror fan, or someone passionate about storytelling craft, this episode offers insight into the creative process behind the panels.

🎙️ Subscribe to Behind the Panels for in-depth conversations with independent comic creators about storytelling, growth, and what it truly takes to bring an idea to life.

In Episode 5 of Behind the Panels, we sit down with Shawn Hudachko, owner of Comics Elite and creator/publisher of the Power Hour series.

This conversation bridges both sides of the comic industry — retail and creation.

Shawn shares insight from his experience running a comic retail/resell business while also building his own publishing projects. We discuss the development of Power Hour, the realities of bringing a book to market, and what it truly takes to move from creator to shelf placement.

In this episode, we dive into:

What retailers actually look for in indie comic submissions

Common mistakes creators make when approaching comic shops

How retail margins and wholesale realities work

The importance of cover design and presentation

Building relationships with local comic stores

The balance between creativity and business strategy

If you’re an independent creator trying to understand how to get your book into stores — or a fan curious about what happens behind the retail counter — this episode delivers real-world insight from someone who operates on both sides of the industry.

Creating the book is only part of the journey.
Getting it into readers’ hands is where the real work begins.

🎙️ Subscribe to Behind the Panels for in-depth conversations with independent creators, retailers, and industry professionals exploring the creative and business realities of comics.

In Episode 4 of Behind the Panels, we step beyond the page and dive into the emotional and psychological realities of being an independent creator.

Joining the conversation:

🎨 Jeffrey Haas — Comic book creator sharing his experience building an audience from the ground up.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theendofallterminus/malek-reigning-devil-3

🎤 Deece Casillas — Comic book creator and stand-up comedian discussing the grind of creating, performing, and growing a following in today’s digital landscape.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/killstan/kill-stan-4?ref=nav_search&result=project&term=KILL%20STAN%20%234&total_hits=5

🧠 Nichole Langley — Licensed Mental Health Counselor (NY) and Licensed Professional Counselor (WY & CO), offering professional insight into burnout, comparison culture, and protecting your mental health as a creative.

In this episode, we explore:

How to build a fanbase from zero

The realities of social media growth

Creative burnout and comparison

Social media exhaustion

Balancing passion with sustainability

Protecting your mental health while pursuing your craft

Being a creator isn’t just about building worlds — it’s about protecting the person building them.

If you’re navigating the pressures of growing your audience, chasing algorithms, or simply trying to stay motivated, this episode offers real conversation and grounded perspective.

🎙️ Subscribe to Behind the Panels for honest discussions with independent creators and deeper insight into what it truly takes to create, sustain, and grow.

Episode 3 of Behind the Panels dives into the business side of being an independent comic creator — because passion builds the story, but strategy builds sustainability.

This week’s guests include:

🗡️ John Holland — discussing his new series Akemi and the process of developing and positioning a fresh property in the indie space.

https://www.fundmycomic.com/campaign/944/akemi
https://jholland.substack.com/

🌊 Owen Radcliff — breaking down his new series Black Salt and what it takes to bring a concept to market.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/akoma/black-salt-the-last-heroes-left-issue-5

⚡ Corissa Grant — creator of the Worthy Chaos series, sharing her experience navigating the realities of publishing and audience engagement.

Together, we explore:

Marketing your comic in today’s indie landscape

How to effectively engage and grow your audience

Direct-to-market sales vs crowdfunding platforms

The realities of the convention scene

When creators should start planning convention appearances

Getting your book into the hands of readers and retailers

This episode is about more than creating comics — it’s about building a brand, making smart business decisions, and learning how to move from passion project to sustainable venture.

If you’re an indie creator, aspiring publisher, or comic fan curious about what happens beyond the creative process, this conversation is for you.

🎙️ Subscribe to Behind the Panels for in-depth discussions with independent creators, honest conversations about the industry, and insight into what it really takes to build something from the ground up.

Episode 2 of Behind the Panels continues the conversation with a powerful lineup of independent creators as we dig into new projects, creative identity, and what it truly means to build something of your own.

This week’s guests include:

🖊️ Paul Eza (Acorn Comics) — Creator of Heroes and Zeros, as well as the launch of his Kickstarter for The Olympian #2, discussing storytelling, world-building, and indie publishing.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ezaesq/the-olympian-1-2

🌌 Devon Wright — Creator and musician behind the Afrofuturist comic series Avant Guardian, and his bold new project Critical Race Fury: The Anti-Racist, blending comics, culture, and hip-hop into socially driven storytelling.

https://avantguardians.com/

🔥 Dan Barlow (Mind Grind Comics)— Artist and creator of Frank Gunn, launching on Kickstarter, and his ongoing series The Devil’s Contract, breaking down the realities of art, production, and creator ownership.

Beyond the projects, we dive into essential conversations about:

Protecting your intellectual property as an indie creator

The influence of hip-hop on storytelling and creativity

How creators are navigating the rise of AI as a tool—not a replacement

What it means to put your heart and soul into your work

This episode is about ownership, intention, and staying true to your voice while building in an evolving creative landscape.

🎙️ Subscribe to Behind the Panels for honest conversations with indie creators, deep dives into the craft, and the realities of making comics outside the mainstream.

Welcome to the first episode of Behind the Panels—the podcast where we pull back the curtain on independent comics and the creators building them from the ground up.

In this debut episode, we’re joined by an incredible lineup of indie creators:

🖊️ Kevin Davis — Author and creator of Hallowfien, as he breaks down the vision behind the project and its upcoming Kickstarter launch.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kevisyde/hallowfien

📚 Boxfort Comics — Andrew Calvert, Scott Prather, and Scott Calvert join us to discuss their latest project Hiraeth and the collaborative process behind building a shared creative vision.

https://boxfortcomics.com/

🌆 Lo (Dark City Comics) — We talk about the relaunch of his comic series E.P.I.C. and what it takes to revisit and rebuild a story with new perspective.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/darkcitycomics/epic-1-the-alpha-strand

Beyond the projects, we dive into the real side of indie creation—the challenges, sacrifices, lessons learned, and what it truly means to create outside the mainstream.

This episode is about:

Indie comics & original storytelling

Kickstarter and crowdfunding realities

Creative process & collaboration

The highs and lows of being an independent creator

If you love comics, support indie creators, or want to understand what happens behind the panels, you’re in the right place.

🎙️ Subscribe for more indie creator interviews, comic breakdowns, and unfiltered conversations.