Epic poetry has inspired storytellers for centuries, but few have made it as accessible and entertaining for modern readers as Alexis Fajardo. On this episode, Alexis joins the Bandits to discuss The Kid Beowulf Odyssey Annual, the latest adventure in his acclaimed all-ages graphic novel series that reimagines classic myths through the eyes of twin brothers Beowulf and Grendel. The conversation explores Alexis's love of mythology, his approach to adapting legendary tales for today's audiences, and the challenge of balancing education, humor, and action in a way that appeals to readers of all ages. Along the way, Alexis reflects on his career as a cartoonist and editor, the enduring appeal of epic storytelling, and what's next for the ever-expanding world of Kid Beowulf.

You can back The Kid Beowulf Odyssey Annual through August 1 at kck.st/4uUEuhF. Follow Alexis at kidbeowulf.com and on Instagram @lexfajardoart.

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Fantasy has always been fertile ground for imagination, but few creative teams push the boundaries of the medium quite like Si Spurrier and Matías Bergara. On this episode, the acclaimed collaborators behind Coda and Step by Bloody Step join the Bandits to discuss their latest epic, A Mischief of Magpies. The duo explores the origins of the DSTLRY series, its richly layered world of mystery and magic, and the challenge of crafting a fantasy story that is as emotionally resonant as it is visually inventive. Along the way, Si and Matías reflect on their creative partnership, the unique storytelling possibilities of comics, and their shared passion for building unforgettable worlds that reward readers with every page.

You can follow Si on his site, simonspurrier.com, and on Instagram and Bluesky @sispurrier. Follow Matías on Instagram @matibergara.

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Some creative teams are simply meant to make #comics together, and few partnerships have been as memorable as John Layman and Rob Guillory. On this episode, the acclaimed duo reunites to discuss Ghostbrawler, their action-packed new creator-owned series now on Kickstarter. Blending supernatural comedy with hard-hitting action, Ghostbrawler follows an ex-boxer who returns from death with the ability to literally punch ghosts, creating a wild new world filled with monsters, mobsters, and mayhem. John and Rob talk about reuniting after Chew, developing a brand-new universe, collaborating after years of working together, and why crowdfunding was the perfect way to launch the series. 

You can back Ghostbrawler until July 23 here: kck.st/3QmawoF. You can follow John on Bluesky @themightylayman and Rob on his site, robguillory.com, or on Instagram @rob_guillory.

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Every great superhero universe has to start somewhere, and Kloud 9: The Star Soldier is aiming to launch one with heart, action, and plenty of cosmic adventure. On this episode, creators AJ O. Mason and Dominic Bustamante join the Bandits to discuss the origins of their exciting new series, the creative partnership behind the project, and the process of building an original hero and mythology from the ground up. They share the inspirations that shaped Kloud 9, the challenges of creating a new creator-owned universe in today's comics landscape, and what readers can expect from the just-published book. Along the way, AJ and Dominic reflect on their creative journeys, their love of comics, and why now is the perfect time to introduce readers to Kloud 9: The Star Soldier.

You can follow AJ on his site, ajomason.com, or on Instagram @ajomasonwriter. Dominic can also be found on Instagram @dommnics.

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More than three decades after creating Spawn, Todd McFarlane continues to expand one of comics' most enduring creator-owned universes. On this episode, years in the making, Todd joins the Bandits to discuss Spawn '77, his new series debuting in September with rising horror star Mark Spears, exploring why he decided to revisit his original design, and what Mark brings to the mythology. The conversation also takes a broader look at Todd's remarkable career, from redefining superhero art to building a multimedia empire, examining how his creative philosophy has evolved over the decades and what continues to drive him to innovate. Along the way, Todd reflects on creator-owned comics, mentoring the next generation of talent, and the excitement of continuing to push Spawn into bold new territory.

You can find Todd just about everywhere online, but primarily on Instagram @toddmcfarlane.

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Few Marvel characters have connected with a new generation of readers quite like Miles Morales. On this episode, author, filmmaker, and cultural critic Ytasha Womack joins the Bandits to discuss her new book on Miles Morales in Bloomsbury's Marvel Age of Comics series. Ytasha explores what makes Miles such a groundbreaking and enduring hero, examining the character's cultural significance, evolution, and impact on the Marvel Universe and beyond. The conversation also delves into the process of analyzing an iconic comic character, the themes that have made Miles resonate with readers around the world, and why his story continues to redefine what it means to be Spider-Man for a new generation.

You can find and follow Ytasha on her site, ytashawomack.com, and on Instagram @ysolstar.

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From helping define the voice of Vertigo alongside Karen Berger to editing acclaimed creators across DC and beyond, Shelly Bond has played a pivotal role in shaping modern #comics. On this episode, Shelly joins the Bandits to reflect on her remarkable editorial career, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, the collaborative process of working with some of the industry's biggest talents, and the evolving role of editors in bringing unforgettable comics to life. Along the way, she offers thoughtful insights into the changing comics landscape and the creative relationships that make great stories possible.

And while this interview was recorded before its launch, be sure to check out and support Shelly's new Kickstarter campaign for subCULTURE: kck.st/4uUEuhF. You can also find and follow Shelly on her and her husband Philip Bond's site, Off Register, on Facebook and Instagram @sxbondimprimatur, and on her own subscription site, filthandgrammar.com.

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Forty years after RAD became one of the most beloved cult classics in BMX and pop culture, the race continues with Helltrack. In this episode, editor Todd Seligman joins the Bandits to discuss the new Kickstarter-funded graphic novel that serves as the official sequel to the iconic 1986 film. Todd shares how the project came together with the original filmmakers and cast, the challenge of honoring a fan-favorite movie while telling a fresh story, and what readers can expect from Cru Jones' return to the legendary Helltrack. The conversation also explores the creative process behind assembling the comic, the all-star creative team, and why this long-awaited continuation is the perfect way to celebrate the film's 40th anniversary.

You can back Helltrack until July 3 here: kck.st/4unadHW.

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Rodney Coleman thinks he’s dreaming of a faraway planet—until he discovers he isn’t the only one. In this episode, writer Mark Russell and artist Russ Braun join the Bandits to discuss The Forgotten Divine, their new AHOY Comics project now crowdfunding on Kickstarter. The story follows an unhoused veteran whose shared visions explore themes of connection and belief, and eventually draws him toward conspiracy, paranoia, and possible revelation. Mark and Russ talk about building the project’s strange emotional core, balancing empathy with unease, collaborating on a story that moves from heartfelt human connection into cosmic uncertainty, and why Kickstarter was the right way to bring this ambitious new graphic novel to readers.

You have until July 2 to back the project here: http://kck.st/4utV3Rg.

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From Super Spy and MIND MGMT to BRZRKR and beyond, Matt Kindt has built a career defined by inventive storytelling and a fiercely independent creative spirit. In this episode, Matt reflects on his journey from discovering comics to becoming one of the medium's most distinctive writer-artists, discussing the influences and philosophies that shaped works like Pistolwhip and Fort Psycho. He shares insights into balancing the roles of writer and artist, collaborating with creative partners, and crafting narratives that blend emotion, espionage, and experimentation. The conversation also explores his work on BRZRKR and takes a deep dive into Flux House, his creator-focused imprint now partnering with Oni Press, including its "100% human-made" ethos, its expanding line of titles, and Matt's vision for fostering bold new voices and stories in #comics.

The first issue of the new MIND MGMT series, New & Improved, comes out today! You can follow Matt on his Flux House site, mattkindtshop.com, on Instagram @matt.kindt.for.real, or X @mattkindt.

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