Comic Crusaders Podcast

Molly Arbuthnott Brings Heart, Craft, and Children's Literature Wisdom to Comic Crusaders

Comic Crusaders is thrilled to welcome Molly Arbuthnott to the show, an award-winning author, teacher, editor, and academic from Scotland whose work proves that children's literature is anything but small. Public bios and her official site describe a creative career built around storytelling, education, workshops, books, audio, and direct engagement with young readers and aspiring authors.

Molly's journey stands out because she has experience across multiple lanes of the storytelling world. She has taught in classrooms, built books from personal inspiration, developed interactive reading sessions for schools and nurseries, and expanded her work into audiobook and screen-adjacent storytelling. Her official site also highlights workshops that combine story readings, sounds, activities, Q&A, and follow-on educational materials, showing that her work is not simply about publishing a book but creating a memorable literary experience.

During this conversation, Al Mega and Molly explore the leap from teaching to authorship, the truth about traditional publishing versus self-publishing, how stories shaped by real life can still feel magical, and why children's books matter so deeply in a distracted age. They also discuss collaboration with illustrators, marketing strategies for authors, how to connect with readers through school outreach, and the exciting process of developing work beyond the printed page.

Molly's current public-facing creative world includes books such as Eamonn the Bat, ongoing school visits, her "My Favourite Books" podcast presence, and an animation premiere linked to Oscar the Ferry Cat. That mix of literary passion and practical execution makes this episode especially valuable for authors who need both inspiration and strategy.

This episode is a reminder that stories are not passive things. In the right hands, they become tools for empathy, courage, learning, and joy. Molly Arbuthnott is building exactly that kind of work, and this interview is packed with insight for anyone trying to turn imagination into impact.

VOTE For Molly for The People's Book Prize:

https://www.mollyarbuthnott.co.uk/the-peoples-book-prize-please-vote/

Follow Molly Arbuthnott

Website: MollyArbuthnott.co.uk Instagram: @molly_arbuthnott_books Facebook: Molly Arbuthnott Books X: @mollyarbuthnott

Subscribe to Comic Crusaders for more interviews with comic creators, indie legends, rising stars, and the wildest voices in pop culture.

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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

Michael Dolce pulled back up to Comic Crusaders with not one project, not two, but a whole creative three-piece combo meal.

First up is Ones & Zeroes #1 a Sci-Fi / Horror, his recently funded Kickstarter, which is pitched around the idea of an A.I. secretly overtaking humanity. That alone gives the book some timely teeth, because it's playing in that sweet spot where paranoia, sci-fi, and real-world tech anxiety start hanging out together like they pay rent.

Then there's Plan 59 From Outer Space Super Deluxe Edition, which isn't just a dust-off job. Michael's own Substack says this new edition adds 30+ extra pages, includes the new Journey of the Ghoul story, and offers a Kickstarter-only hardcover for collectors. That makes it a genuine event release, not just a rerun with lipstick.

And because apparently Michael hates boredom, there's also Dungeons & Dimwits – Clownpocalypse Now, an upcoming campaign from the Dren side of the universe that's been publicly teased as a story involving demon-possessed clowns. Which, let's be honest, is already enough to make people say "absolutely not" and then click anyway.

Michael's broader public bio reflects a creator who's been building for years across comics, podcasting, and creator-owned work through The Sire, Descendant, and Sire Studios. That makes this episode bigger than simple promotion. It becomes a conversation about momentum, range, and what it looks like when a creator keeps stacking worlds instead of waiting for permission.

YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OohjP9DWKEI

Kickstarter Links:

Plan 59 From Outer Space Super Deluxe Edition https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mdolce/plan-59-from-outer-space-super-deluxe-edition

Dungeons & Dimwits – Clownpocalypse Now (Part 1) https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/drenproductionsgames/dungeons-and-dimwits-clownpocalypse-now

Ones & Zeroes #1 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mdolce/ones-and-zeroes-1

Guest Links Website: MichaelDolce.com Sire Studios: SireStudiosInc.com Instagram: @sirestudios X: @Sire_Studios Bluesky: sirestudios.bsky.social

Subscribe to Comic Crusaders for more interviews with comic creators, indie legends, rising stars, and the wildest voices in pop culture.

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Host Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders

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Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

Chris Yates is stepping into the creator-owned spotlight in a big way with Marcus Walker: Kingslayer Protocol, a kinetic sci-fi comic that blends explosive mech-versus-kaiju action with family drama, buried secrets, and the kind of emotional weight that gives giant-robot stories real soul.

Set in New Honolulu City, Marcus Walker: Kingslayer Protocol follows Marcus as a war between Kaijus and Kingslayer Mechs rages around him. But instead of putting the obvious hero in the obvious seat, Yates builds a more layered story: Marcus is not the mech pilot. His older brother Kaleb is. That choice alone gives this series a different kind of heartbeat, one rooted in distance, identity, survival, and the pressure of legacy.

Yates comes into this project with a fascinating background. Before launching his own book, he worked at The Walt Disney Company and United Talent Agency, specializing in comic book adaptations, non-traditional IP media rights, and creator representation. In 2025 alone, he helped develop, launch, and market four indie publishing Kickstarters that raised more than $87,000 collectively. That experience now feeds directly into this campaign, which feels built with both creator passion and strategic clarity.

Artist Simone Ragazzoni brings the visual blast radius, and Yates has openly praised that collaboration as one of the healthiest and most rewarding creative partnerships he's had. The result is a book that promises spectacle, but not empty spectacle the kind where every punch, transformation, and monster clash is tied to something personal.

For fans of Ultraman: Rising, Big Hero 6, and Power Rangers, this Kickstarter looks like a sharp mix of nostalgia, modern emotional storytelling, and collector appeal, with variant covers and premium reward tiers helping turn the launch into a real event.

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

Comic Crusaders is hyped to talk with Chris Yates about the road that brought him here, what Marcus Walker challenged him to do creatively, and why this project could be the start of something much bigger.

Support the kickstarter at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/crushyourgoals/marcus-walker-kingslayer-protocol-a-kinetic-sci-fi-comic

Chris Yates on Instagram: @cyg47

Chris Yates website: Www.crushyourgoals.com

Artist Simone Ragazzoni on Instagram: @simoneragazzoni

Subscribe to Comic Crusaders for more interviews with comic creators, indie legends, rising stars, and the wildest voices in pop culture.

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

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Joe Illidge Breaks Down Dakota's Legacy and the Future of Milestone in DC's New History of the DC Universe

Comic book history is full of legendary moments, but few were as revolutionary as the arrival of Milestone Media in the 1990s. Created by industry visionaries including Dwayne McDuffie, Denys Cowan, Michael Davis, and Derek Dingle, Milestone introduced a wave of heroes that reflected communities and perspectives rarely seen in mainstream comics.

Now, that legacy continues with New History of the DC Universe: The Dakota Incident #1, a powerful new anthology exploring Dakota City's place within the larger DC mythology.

At the center of this project is Joe Illidge, a respected creative voice in the comics industry who has worked across editorial, writing, and cultural advocacy roles throughout his career.

Illidge has long been connected to the spirit of Milestone storytelling — stories that combine superhero action with real-world themes about identity, community, and social change.

In The Dakota Incident, the narrative digs deeper into the events surrounding Dakota City and the heroes who protect it, exploring how these characters intersect with the broader history of the DC Universe.

For longtime fans, the story represents a powerful return to one of comics' most important cultural milestones. For new readers, it offers an opportunity to discover why characters like Static, Icon, Rocket, and Hardware remain so influential today.

As Illidge and the creative team expand the mythology of Dakota, they also reaffirm something fans have always known: Milestone isn't just a comic imprint. It's a movement.

YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4vlc6tw7tw

If you love comic book history, storytelling, and behind-the-scenes industry insights, this episode is for you.

Subscribe for more creator interviews and comic book news!

Follow Joe on Social Media at @illmasterone

Get your copy of THE DAKOTA INCIDENT is #1 On Sale Now!

Also check out ILLUMINOUS at https://www.illuminousideas.com.

The Milestone Revolution: A Visual Timeline of Dakota City 1993 — Milestone Media Is Born In 1993, four visionary creators Dwayne McDuffie, Denys Cowan, Michael Davis, and Derek T. Dingle launched Milestone Media, a publishing initiative designed to bring new voices, authentic communities, and diverse perspectives into superhero comics. Partnering with DC Comics for distribution, Milestone quickly became one of the most culturally important imprints in comics history.

Their mission was simple but revolutionary:

Create Superheroes that reflected the REAL World!

1994 — Dakota City Debuts The world is introduced to Dakota City, a fictional urban setting inspired by real American cities.

Four major series launch almost simultaneously:

• Static – teenage hero Virgil Hawkins becomes the electrifying voice of a new generation • Icon – an alien with the perspective of a Black conservative intellectual • Hardware – a corporate genius turned armored vigilante • Blood Syndicate – a street-level gang of superpowered antiheroes

These comics brought social commentary, urban realism, and cultural authenticity rarely seen in superhero books at the time.

2000 — Static Shock Hits Television The character Static explodes into mainstream pop culture with the animated series Static Shock. The show runs for four seasons and introduces Dakota City and its heroes to an entirely new generation of fans. For many viewers, Static Shock becomes their first Black teenage superhero role model on television. 2020 — Milestone Returns After years of absence, Milestone Media returns with a major revival initiative.

New series reintroduce Dakota City for modern readers:

• Static Season One • Icon and Rocket Season One • Hardware Season One

The revival reconnects the characters to the modern DC Universe while maintaining the cultural themes that made Milestone iconic.

2026 — The Dakota Incident Expands the DC Universe With New History of the DC Universe: The Dakota Incident #1, Dakota City's heroes are woven deeper into the mythology of the DC Universe. This anthology explores how Dakota's heroes and history intersect with the larger DC timeline expanding the legacy of Milestone while opening new doors for future storytelling. For longtime fans, it's a celebration of a revolutionary imprint.

For new readers, it's a reminder that Dakota City remains one of the most important settings in comic book history.

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

Host Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders

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Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

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The digital age has turned everyone into a broadcaster. Cameras are always rolling. Phones are always recording. But what happens when the footage captures something it was never meant to see? That chilling idea is at the heart of PICK-UP, the new crime thriller one-shot from AWA Studios, written by Michael Coast and arriving in comic shops on March 18.

In this episode of the Comic Crusaders Podcast, Al Mega sits down with Coast to explore the inspiration behind the story and the dangers hiding inside our always-online world.

PICK-UP dives headfirst into the collision between social media fame and violent crime. The story follows an influencer whose carefully curated online life spirals out of control when background footage captures a dangerous secret. Suddenly, the camera that once fueled his success becomes the key to unraveling everything.

For Coast, the project marks an exciting shift from editor to creator. As a Senior Editor at AWA Studios, he has played a key role in shaping projects from other writers and artists. With PICK-UP, he steps forward as the storyteller himself, bringing a tense, modern thriller to readers.

During the conversation, Coast shares insights into the creative process behind the comic, the influence of classic suspense storytelling, and how modern technology has changed the way crime stories can be told.

The episode also explores:

• Michael Coast's journey into comics • The transition from editor to writer • The influence of Hitchcock-style storytelling • The role of social media in modern thrillers • How technology reshapes crime narratives

PICK-UP promises a suspenseful ride that blends psychological tension with a chillingly realistic premise.

If cameras truly record everything, sometimes they capture truths people would rather keep hidden.

PICK-UP arrives March 18 from AWA Studios.

YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOl7wjhdwe0

Check out a preview of Pick-Up HERE

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

Host Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders

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Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

The Hidden Struggles Behind Comics: C.J. Standal Explores the True Cost of the Industry

For most fans, comics are magic. Colorful worlds. Incredible heroes. Epic adventures. But behind every comic book page lies a reality most readers never see. Late nights. Creative battles. Financial uncertainty. And a constant tug-of-war between artistic passion and economic survival. That's exactly what writer C.J. Standal explores in his powerful new book Comics: The Call and the Cost, a thought-provoking collection of essays examining the history and struggles of comic book creators.

Standal returns to the Comic Crusaders Podcast with host Al Mega to dive deep into the stories behind the medium. Originally written for the Cartoonist Cooperative Journal, these essays explore the deeper forces shaping the comics industry.

The book tackles topics like:

• The history of the comic book labor movement • The intersection of art and capitalism • The sacrifices creators make for their craft • The real-life politics surrounding comics creation

One of the most fascinating essays in the collection, "The Cost of Comics: A History of the Comic Book Labor Movement," reveals the often overlooked battles creators have fought for recognition and fair compensation. Another essay explores the artistic and business philosophies of legendary creators Charles Schulz, Jim Davis, and Bill Watterson, examining how each navigated the complex relationship between creativity and corporate influence.

Standal's work reminds readers that comics are more than entertainment. They are the product of dedication, resilience, and artistic conviction. The book will be available in print, ebook, and audiobook formats, with narration by Nancy Bober bringing the essays to life in a new medium.

For fans of The Comics Journal, TwoMorrows, and comics scholarship, this is an essential read. But even casual readers will find themselves gaining a deeper appreciation for the people who dedicate their lives to making comics. Because behind every panel…

There's a creator answering the call—no matter the cost.

Subscribe for more interviews with creators across comics, film, gaming, and pop culture.

Follow CJ on Scoail Media at Bluesky, Instagram, Tiktok, X, Threads: @cj_standal |CJ Standal and CJ Standal Productions on Facebook

Website: cjstandalproductions.com

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Host Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders

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Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

Alternia Rises: Abelard Alexis Talks Growth, Grit, and a Funded Kickstarter

Abelard Alexis is back on Comic Crusaders and this time, he's coming in victorious. With Alternia #1 officially funded, Abelard joins Al Mega for a high-energy, no-filter conversation about growth since his last appearance, lessons learned the hard way, and what it really means to level up as an indie comic creator.

From sharpening his creative process to mastering the chaos of Kickstarter campaigns, Abelard breaks down how Alternia came together and why this project represents a major turning point in his journey. We dive deep into storytelling challenges, community support, creative confidence, and the mindset shift that happens when preparation finally meets opportunity.

This episode isn't just about one comic it's about evolution, resilience, and building something that lasts. If you're an indie creator, a Kickstarter supporter, or just love discovering new voices in comics, this conversation is a must-watch.

YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAvAqD23VMs

Follow Abelard on Instagram at @abeillustrations_

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

Host Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders

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Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

The Comic Crusaders Podcast reaches a fitting milestone with Episode #666, and what better way to celebrate this devilishly fun episode than by diving into a chilling new horror series.

Host Al Mega welcomes writer Simon Birks and artist Willi Roberts, the creative team behind the upcoming Top Cow / Image Comics mini-series The Thing On The Doorstep. The five-issue series brings readers into a haunting world of psychological dread and supernatural mystery, inspired by classic cosmic horror traditions while delivering a fresh modern storytelling approach.

During the episode, Birks and Roberts discuss their creative journeys, how the project came together, and the challenges of translating horror into the visual language of comics. Roberts also shares insight into crafting the atmosphere and tension that make horror comics truly effective. The conversation explores the unique collaborative process between writer and artist, the importance of pacing and mood in horror storytelling, and what readers can expect as the story unfolds across its five-issue run.

For fans of horror comics and psychological thrillers, The Thing On The Doorstep promises an unsettling and unforgettable ride.

Follow the team on Social Media at: @sbirkswriter | @willirobertsart

ðŸ"š Learn More: The Thing On The Doorstep #1 (of 5) https://imagecomics.com/comics/releases/the-thing-on-the-doorstep-1-of-5

Check out their website at: https://bluefoxbookstore.com/

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

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In this high-energy episode of the Comic Crusaders Podcast, we sit down with Nicholas Casbarro, creator of the Vitalerium Series, a bold, emotionally driven sci-fi universe inspired by classic and modern science fiction. We talk world-building, creative risk, indie hustle, and what it takes to build a universe that actually means something. If you love sci-fi with depth, this episode is for you.

Website: https://vitaleriumseries.com/ Amazon: https://a.co/d/g33NvYP Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Vitalerium-Descent-into-the-Void-Audiobook/B0DKL8YR1R?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vitalerium-descent-into-the-void-nicholas-keating-casbarro/1146017414?ean=9798891323926 BAM!: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Vitalerium-Descent-into-Void/Nicholas-Keating-Casbarro/9798891323926 Patreon: patreon.com/InsideVitalerium -Social Media- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vitaleriumseries/ @vitaleriumseries FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553020843285 The Vitalerium Series Threads: https://www.threads.com/@vitaleriumseries @vitaleriumseries X: https://x.com/vitalerium @vitalerium TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vitaleriumseries?_t=8lyB9h4ckjG&_r=1 @vitaleriumseries

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We appreciate your support!

Host: Al Mega

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Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

Braxton A. Cosby Brings Yasuke to Life on Comic Crusaders

Multi-award-winning and international bestselling author Braxton A. Cosby has built a dynamic career spanning novels, comics, and screenplays. With over 18 projects under his belt, Cosby continues to push storytelling boundaries.

On this episode of Comic Crusaders, Cosby discusses his latest work, Yasuke, a powerful retelling of the legendary African samurai who rose through the ranks of feudal Japan.

We explore: • The creative evolution of Braxton A. Cosby • Writing across multiple storytelling mediums • The research and discipline behind Yasuke • Representation in historical fiction • The future of cinematic adaptations

Cosby's passion for storytelling and commitment to honoring history while delivering cinematic drama make Yasuke a must-read.

YASUKE: DEAD MAN WALKING YASUKE: RESURRECTION (GRAPHIC NOVEL) The YASUKE Duology (2 book series) Kindle Edition

Follow Braxton on Instagram: @braxtonacosby

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We appreciate your support!

Episode 664 in an unlimited series!

Host: Al Mega, Follow on X | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders

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