Comic Crusaders Podcast

FOOL'S GOLD Creators Felix Irnich and Avery Howett Roll Into the Comic Crusaders Podcast

The Comic Crusaders Podcast welcomes Felix Irnich, and Avery Howett for a hilarious and insightful conversation about FOOL'S GOLD: Echoes of the Past, the new graphic adventure arriving July 21, 2026, from Gallery 13.

Based on the wildly popular Fool's Gold RPG YouTube series, Echoes of the Past follows its lovable band of misfits as timelines collide and yesterday's mistakes return with teeth. The crew must navigate a realm of souls, escape a dragon's wrath, survive another disastrous party, and prevent a robot from leveling an entire city all while attempting to remain friends.

During the conversation, Irnich, and Howett discuss transforming improvised tabletop chaos into a structured graphic narrative, welcoming readers who have never rolled a twenty-sided die, collaborating with Christopher Hastings, balancing comedy with emotional consequences, and building an independent entertainment universe supported by millions of passionate fans. Expect stories about creative risks, crowdfunding success, artistic revenge, cursed dice, dangerous robots, and the power of friendship when every decision is one bad roll away from catastrophe.

Preorder FOOL'S GOLD: Echoes of the Past and join the Comic Crusaders for an adventure where the past refuses to stay buried and the dice remain completely unqualified to make responsible decisions.

YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajI25Ay6PtQ

Release date: July 21, 2026 Publisher: Gallery 13

Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support!

Host: Al Mega

Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders

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Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​

Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

What keeps a fictional universe alive across movies, comics, games, attractions, and generations? On this episode of the Comic Crusaders Podcast, Al Mega welcomes Jeff Gomez, president and CEO of Starlight Runner Entertainment, for a powerful conversation about the hidden architecture behind modern storytelling.

Gomez has contributed to the storyworld development and franchise strategy of globally recognized properties including Avatar, Halo, Pirates of the Caribbean, Transformers, Spider-Man, and Ultraman. His work focuses not simply on expanding intellectual property, but on preserving the emotional, thematic, and mythological coherence that allows a universe to grow without losing its identity.

The conversation dives beneath New York City with Deep Down, an urban crime thriller combining investigative drama, occult mystery, political pressure, and social commentary. The series follows NYC Transit Special Ops as its marginalized members investigate the disappearance of a young autistic girl inside the city's sprawling subway system.

Gomez also discusses The 10 Commandments of Successful Corporate Narratives, co-written with Alan Berkson, and explains why companies cannot manufacture trust through slogans when their behavior tells an entirely different story. The book presents narrative as an organizational structure that must survive growth, crisis, leadership changes, and public scrutiny.

The episode also tackles fan communities, legacy media, canon governance, generative AI, and Gomez's concept of the Mythic Field the deeper human meaning that keeps a storyworld coherent even as its characters, platforms, and participants evolve. This is not merely a discussion about creating more content. It is a conversation about protecting meaning and determining who will shape the storyworlds of the future.

YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIQ1F5Bc9a0

Follow Jeff on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgomez/ https://www.instagram.com/slrgomez/ https://x.com/Jeff_Gomez https://www.starlightrunner.com

Visit: ComicCrusaders.com YouTube: @ComicCrusadersWorld Host: Al Mega Follow: @TheRealAlMega | @ComicCrusaders

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The Crusade Never Ends!

Al Mega welcomes comic book creator Giovanni Sticco to the Comic Crusaders Podcast to discuss his indie sci-fi projects Scorpion, Anunnaki, and 51. From retro-pulp noir and rage-fueled transformation to ancient alien mythology and Area 51 disappearances, Giovanni breaks down his creative journey, cinematic influences, indie comics hustle, and the bigger universe he is building through Hollywood Tower Productions.

YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwmnGPesoq4

Follow on Social Media at: https://www.facebook.com/giovanni.sticco.3 https://www.instagram.com/giovanni_hollywood2008

Get your copy at: https://globalcomix.com/c/issue-1-scorpion

Read more about Scorpion at: https://comiccrusaders.com/comic-books/scorpion-strikes-back-indie-sci-fi-noir-hits-11k-organic-reads-on-globalcomix/

Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support!

Host: Al Mega

Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders

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Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop

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Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​

Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

The shadows are getting deeper, the mysteries are getting darker, and the investigation continues!

Al Mega welcomes back creators Shawn McBee and MJ Jankowski to the Comic Crusaders Podcast for another deep dive into their supernatural detective horror series Westron. Following up on their previous appearance, Shawn and MJ return to discuss the latest chapter of their creator-owned comic universe, Westron: Issues 1 & 2, a story that blends mystery, horror, and Slavic folklore into a unique supernatural thriller.

During this episode, Al Mega talks with the creators about expanding the world of Jan Westron, developing terrifying folklore-inspired threats, building mythology, and the challenges of bringing an independent comic to life through Kickstarter.

The conversation explores what makes Westron stand apart from traditional horror stories focusing on forgotten legends, detective storytelling, and the power of creator-owned comics. Fans of supernatural mysteries, horror comics, and indie creators will not want to miss this episode!

Check out Westron: Issues 1 & 2 and support the Kickstarter campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/propsmith/westron-2

Visit the official Westron website: https://westroncomic.com/

ðŸ'» Follow their mythic journey into the unknown!

Previous Appearance on Comic Crusaders Podcast #583: https://comiccrusaders.com/blog/watch-listen/comic-crusaders-podcast/westron-comic-book-interview-shawn-mcbee-mj-jankowski/

https://westroncomic.com Instagram: / westron_comic TikTok: / westron_comic Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/westroncomic.bsky.social

Watch, listen, and join the conversation with Al Mega, Shawn McBee, and MJ Jankowski on the Comic Crusaders Podcast!

The Crusade Never Ends!

Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support!

Host: Al Mega

Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders

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Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​

Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

Al Mega welcomes back comic book creator, writer, and publisher John Holland of Die Bold Comics to discuss his new horror comic campaign, Vampires Vs Zombies: The Journals of Enoch Chase.

John previously joined Comic Crusaders to talk about ALMA and the Hollandverse. Now he returns with a monster-packed creator-owned project featuring vampires, zombies, journal-driven storytelling, survival horror, and the next evolution of Die Bold Comics.

In this episode, Al and John dig into the creation of Enoch Chase, the mythology behind the vampire/zombie conflict, crowdfunding lessons, horror world-building, working with artist Jorge Luis Gabotto, and what indie comics fans can expect from the campaign.

YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuBoERp3dBQ

Support:THE DIE BOLD COMICS DIGITAL LIBRARY: https://www.fundmycomic.com/campaign/1008/the-die-bold-comics-digital-library

Visit Die Bold Comics: DieBoldComics.com

Follow on X at: @JohnH985

Previous Appearance: Comic Crusaders Podcast #455 – John Holland | ALMA

Thank you for watching and listening!

Host: Al Mega Follow: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Main Site: ComicCrusaders.com YouTube: ComicCrusadersWorld Official Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Swag Shop: comiccrusaders.us

Edited / Produced / Directed by Al Mega

Comic Crusaders Podcast #728 welcomes independent comic creator, writer, and colorist W. Frank Walk for a fresh dive into the supernatural action universe of Hellstones, the creator-owned series powered by his studio, Pigmacast Studio.

This episode explores the road from Hellstones #0 to the next major chapter, Hellstones #1: Into The Fray, while spotlighting Frank's full creator grind: writing, coloring, producing, promoting, and building an indie comic universe one campaign at a time.

The conversation also digs into the launch of the Into The Fray Kickstarter, campaign strategy, serialized storytelling, and how Frank continues expanding Hellstones through hands-on world-building and community support.

With additional creator-focused conversations already spotlighting where the Hellstones world came from and what drives it, this episode is a must-watch for indie comic fans, crowdfunding creators, and anyone who loves supernatural action with serious creator-owned fire.

Support Hellstones, follow Pigmacast Studio, and keep the indie comics crusade moving. The Crusade Never Ends!

Support the Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pigmacast/hellstones-into-the-fray-a-supernatural-action-comic

Follow Frank on :https://linktr.ee/pigmacast

Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support!

Host: Al Mega

Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders

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Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop

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Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​

Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

Abby Denson Joins Comic Crusaders Podcast To Discuss My Tokyo Summer From Graphix/Scholastic

Award-winning cartoonist and author Abby Denson joins the Comic Crusaders Podcast for a bright, heartfelt, and creatively inspiring conversation about her upcoming graphic novel My Tokyo Summer, illustrated by Utomaru and coming from Graphix/Scholastic on July 7, 2026.

Known for Cool Tokyo Guide, Cool Japan Guide, Uniquely Japan, Dolltopia, Tough Love, and the beloved Kitty Sweet Tooth series, Denson has built a career around comics that celebrate curiosity, culture, humor, travel, identity, and connection. She has also contributed to major properties including The Powerpuff Girls, The Simpsons, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and The Amazing Spider-Man Family.

In this episode, Abby talks about transforming a life-changing trip to Japan into a YA graphic novel, the power of pen-pal friendships, working again with Utomaru, the magic of Tokyo, the creative spirit of zines, and why comics remain one of the most powerful ways people can connect across borders, languages, and generations.

My Tokyo Summer follows Abby and Yuuko, two young artists from different parts of the world whose friendship blossoms through letters, comics, Tokyo adventures, and a shared dream of creating something together. It is a celebration of friendship, art, cultural exchange, and the kind of summer that can change a life forever.

YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqGpeAJSsSs

Follow Abby on Social Media: @abbydenson Visit her website: www.abbydenson.com

Read our review HERE

Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support!

Host: Al Mega

Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders

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Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​

Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

WEPA, Crusaders! Comic book history is about to step out of the shadows, tighten the cape, rattle the chains, and remind everybody why Todd McFarlane remains one of the most important creative forces in comics.

Todd McFarlane returns to the Comic Crusaders Podcast for a brand new conversation centered on Spawn 77, the upcoming three-issue Spawn Universe mini-series co-written by McFarlane and Mark Spears, with Spears delivering fully painted interior artwork. This is not just another Spawn project. This is the first official comic book appearance of McFarlane's original 1977 Spawn design, a concept he created as a teenager long before Spawn #1 changed the comic book industry in 1992.

That alone makes this one a major moment for fans, collectors, retailers, and anyone who loves seeing a creator revisit the original spark that started a universe. Nearly fifty years after that first design came to life in a young artist's imagination, Spawn 77 brings that early vision into the modern Spawn mythology with a new character, a new story, and a fully painted visual approach from one of the hottest artists in comics today.

During this episode, Al Mega sits down with Todd to dig into the origins of the 1977 design, what it feels like to revisit that teenage creative energy decades later, and why now is the right time to officially bring this version of Spawn to the page. The conversation also explores Todd's collaboration with Mark Spears, how painted interiors change the tone of a Spawn story, and what fans can expect from this new corner of Hellspawn mythology.

Of course, this being Comic Crusaders, we are also going beyond the press release. Al asks Todd about the growing Spawn Universe, the balance between mystery and expansion, the collector energy surrounding the massive cover lineup, the legacy of creator-owned comics, and yes, the long-awaited Spawn movie conversation. Because let's be real, fam — if Todd McFarlane is in the building, the people want to know what is going on with King Spawn.

Spawn 77 #1 arrives in comic shops in September 2026 as an oversized 64-page debut issue. The book features covers by Mark Spears, Todd McFarlane, and Emma Ríos, along with multiple incentive and signed foil editions for collectors looking to lock down a piece of Spawn history.

This is the kind of interview longtime Spawn fans will want to hear, but it is also a must-listen for creators. Todd's journey is a reminder that the wild idea you sketch at sixteen, the character you keep coming back to, the concept nobody else understands yet, that thing might become your legacy if you keep building.

So pull up, Crusaders. The original Spawn is finally stepping onto the comic book page, and Comic Crusaders is taking you right into the fire.

YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmmOmL1b-f8

Check out the Spawn '77 #1 Preview

Check out all things Spawn at: https://mcfarlane.com/ Follow Todd on X: @Todd_McFarlane / Instagram at @ToddMcFarlane | WhatNot

The Crusade never ends! WEPAAAAAAA!

Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support!

Host: Al Mega

Follow on X | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders

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Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​

Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

WEPAAAAAAA, Crusaders! Today on the Comic Crusaders Podcast, we are going behind the cape, behind the symbol, and straight into one of the most important creator-rights battles in pop culture history as bestselling author William Bernhardt joins us to discuss The Superman Wars: A Battle for Truth, Justice, and an American Icon.

For generations, Superman has stood as the ultimate symbol of hope, morality, strength, and doing the right thing when the world gets heavy. But behind the Man of Steel is a very human story filled with ambition, creativity, heartbreak, legal battles, and the devastating cost paid by the young creators who helped change the world.

In The Superman Wars, Bernhardt pulls back the curtain on Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the two young visionaries whose imagination gave birth to one of the most recognizable characters ever created. Their work helped define not just comic books, but modern entertainment itself. Yet their battle for recognition, ownership, and fairness became a decades-long fight that still echoes through the comics industry today.

What makes Bernhardt's take so powerful is his ability to blend legal insight with deeply human storytelling. As a lawyer and bestselling author, he understands the contracts, the courtroom drama, and the cold machinery of corporate power. But he also understands the emotional weight of two creators watching their dream become an empire while they were left fighting for their place in its history.

This is not just a Superman story. This is a creator story. This is a warning shot. This is a reminder that every comic, every character, every universe, and every cultural icon begins with someone brave enough to put an idea on the page.

Bernhardt also places Superman's arrival in the larger historical moment of the late 1930s, a time of economic hardship, fear, and global uncertainty. America needed a hero. Readers needed hope. And suddenly, there he was: a figure who could leap tall buildings, stand up to bullies, and remind people that justice still mattered.

But the irony hits hard. Superman stood for truth and justice while his own creators had to fight for both.

That is why The Superman Wars matters now. In an era where comics, films, streaming, games, and digital media continue turning creative ideas into billion-dollar properties, the questions raised by Siegel and Shuster's story are still alive and screaming louder than a Daily Planet headline.

Who owns the dream? Who profits from the dream? And who gets remembered when the dream becomes larger than life?

Today's conversation with William Bernhardt is going to dig into all of it: Superman's creation, the legal battles, the creator-rights lessons, the cultural impact, and why fans, writers, artists, and publishers should know this history. Because if you love comics, you owe it to yourself to understand the real war behind the world's greatest superhero.

Tune in, pull up, and get ready. This one is not just hot, it is super-powered!

YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSfoAOjzwak

The Crusade never ends! WEPAAAAAAA!

Check out our review HERE

Get your copy NOW: https://amzn.to/4uSEVsA

Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support!

Host: Al Mega

Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders

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Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us

Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​

Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

WEPPAAAA! Comic Crusaders Podcast welcomes back acclaimed YA author and pop-culture writer Preeti Chhibber for a spell-slinging conversation about SCARLET WITCH: HOUSE OF HARKNESS, the upcoming Marvel graphic novel from Graphix, illustrated by Jodi Nishijima and Kiichi Mizushima.

This new adventure reimagines Wanda Maximoff as a sixteen-year-old witch-in-training entering the legendary House of Harkness, a magical school filled with secrets, rivalry, legacy pressure, and enough chaos to make detention feel like a supernatural event. Waiting for Wanda is Agatha Harkness, heir to the school's powerful name and not exactly thrilled about a new student shaking up the magical food chain.

In this episode, Al Mega dives deep with Preeti about returning to Comic Crusaders, writing Wanda for younger readers, building a magical-school Marvel universe, balancing humor with emotional stakes, and exploring the complicated tension between Wanda and Agatha. The conversation also touches on legacy, ambition, friendship, outsider energy, and how powerful young characters learn who they are before the world tells them who they should become.

SCARLET WITCH: HOUSE OF HARKNESS arrives July 7, 2026, from Graphix. Marvel fans, young readers, witchy-read lovers, and anyone who enjoys magical mayhem with heart—this one belongs on your radar.

YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q4KrXnAU9A

The Crusade never ends. WEPA!

Get your copy at: https://amzn.to/4vIMYd7

On Sale: July 7, 2026

Like, subscribe, comment, and join the Crusade!

Visit Preeti's Website at: http://www.preetichhibber.com

Folow on Social Media on Bluesky: @runwithskizzers.bsky.social & Instagram: @runwithskizzers

Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support!

Host: Al Mega

Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders

Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet:

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YouTube: / comiccrusadersworld

Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop

Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us

Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​

Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega