In this episode of Talkin' Comics, AJ sits down with indie comic creator Alex Steffen, writer and illustrator of Everyone’s Carl and Valedictorian. We dive into Kickstarter success, comic creation, art school life, existential dread turned storytelling, and advice from comic legend Scott McCloud and John Jennings.

We also talk favorite characters like Spider-Man, Doctor Manhattan, and the impact of Watchmen.

If you love indie comics, creator journeys, and behind-the-scenes comic talk — this episode is for you!

🎨 Pre-order Everyone’s Carl https://linktr.ee/Steffen.Works

🎙 Subscribe for weekly comic conversations

📚 Support indie creators

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 “Remind Me” button to follow the project launch (coming March 12th 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...

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⏱ Chapters

0:00 Intro

0:45 Meet Alex Steffen

2:00 What is Everyone’s Carl?

5:30 Kickstarter Strategy & Funding

9:00 Marketing Indie Comics

13:00 Art School & Creative Growth

16:30 Writing Origins & Mentorship

20:00 Existential Dread & Storytelling

23:30 Advice for Creators

26:00 Favorite Characters & Comic Influences

31:00 Living in a Comic Universe

36:00 Final Thoughts & Where to Follow

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