Pesto Comics - Audio Edition

I have three distinct tracks that I need to manage - and try not to fall off one onto the other.

00:00 Yet Another Productivity Hack from Me...

00:54 Track 1: Crowdfunding

02:33 Track 2: Direct Market

04:33 Track 3: Novellas

05:47 The 2027 Gap

11:55 Momentum is Everything

14:44 Send me a letter to publish in From Parts Unknown!

==

Check out all the comics and books coming from Adriano and Pesto Comics!

Direct Market Comics:

-----------------------------------

FROM PARTS UNKNOWN #1

In Stores - Wednesday April 29th

FROM PARTS UNKNOWN #2

Available for Pre-Order (FOC) - Monday May 4th

In Stores - Wednesday June 3rd

FROM PARTS UNKNOWN #3

Available for Pre-Order (FOC) - Monday June 8th

In Stores - Wednesday July 8th

If you aren't near a shop, check out pestocomics.com for a list of stores where you can order online!

Kickstarter Comics:

-------------------------------

NAKED KAIJU WOMAN #3

On Kickstarter - This April

https://bit.ly/nkw3

SNIP #3, 4 & 5

On Kickstarter - This Spring

https://bit.ly/snip3

CRIMSON FRONTIER #1 & 2

On Kickstarter - This Spring

https://bit.ly/cf1comic

PRIME CUT #1 & 2

On Kickstarter - This Fall

https://bit.ly/prime1comic

Books:

-----------

BACKLOT BABYLON (LEO LUCAS #1)

On Kickstarter - This Summer

https://bit.ly/backlotbabylon

==

This video is available as an audio podcast on all your favourite platforms as 'Pesto Comics Audio Edition' and on Substack at https://pestocomics.substack.com

---

See everything Pesto Comics has to offer at https://pestocomics.com

Find Adriano on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/pestocomics/

https://bsky.app/profile/pestocomics.bsky.social

https://x.com/pestocomics

https://www.tiktok.com/@pestocomics

See more from Adriano on the Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast every week: https://www.youtube.com/@InstantInkPodcast/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pestocomics.substack.com

Why Small Podcasts Matter: Build Your Creative Community One Listener at a Time

00:00 Toronto Indie Author Conference

00:30 The Value of Small Podcasts

03:11 The Process Over the Numbers

05:17 Finding the Path

07:01 Building Community

==

Check out all the comics and books coming from Adriano and Pesto Comics!

Direct Market Comics:

-----------------------------------

FROM PARTS UNKNOWN #1

In Stores - Wednesday April 29th

FROM PARTS UNKNOWN #2

Available for Pre-Order (FOC) until Monday May 4th

In Stores - Wednesday June 3rd

If you aren't near a shop, check out pestocomics.com for a list of stores where you can order online!

Kickstarter Comics:

-------------------------------

NAKED KAIJU WOMAN #3

On Kickstarter - This April

https://bit.ly/nkw3

SNIP #3, 4 & 5

On Kickstarter - This Spring

https://bit.ly/snip3

CRIMSON FRONTIER #1 & 2

On Kickstarter - This Spring

https://bit.ly/cf1comic

PRIME CUT #1 & 2

On Kickstarter - This Fall

https://bit.ly/prime1comic

Books:

-----------

BACKLOT BABYLON (LEO LUCAS #1)

On Kickstarter - This Summer

https://bit.ly/backlotbabylon

==

This video is available as an audio podcast on all your favourite platforms as 'Pesto Comics Audio Edition' and on Substack at https://pestocomics.substack.com

---

See everything Pesto Comics has to offer at https://pestocomics.com

Find Adriano on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/pestocomics/

https://bsky.app/profile/pestocomics.bsky.social

https://x.com/pestocomics

https://www.tiktok.com/@pestocomics

See more from Adriano on the Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast every week: https://www.youtube.com/@InstantInkPodcast/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pestocomics.substack.com

Professionalism means getting things done - regardless of whether you're feeling up to it.

00:00 Intro: Riding the High

00:08 Where Pesto Comics Stands in 2026

01:14 Planning 2027: Crimson Frontier & Unfinished Scripts

02:28 Procrastination & Plates Spinning

02:44 Shiny Object Syndrome (and Why It's Both a Trap and a Gift)

03:26 Professional vs. Hobbyist: On Finishing What You Start

05:37 Start Small: Advice for New Creators

07:55 Commitment: Getting Back to Work

08:51 The 10-Minute Rule

09:19 Outro

==

Check out all the comics and books coming from Adriano and Pesto Comics!

Direct Market Comics:

-----------------------------------

FROM PARTS UNKNOWN #1

In Stores - Wednesday April 29th

FROM PARTS UNKNOWN #2

Available for Pre-Order (FOC) - Monday May 4th

In Stores - Wednesday June 3rd

If you aren't near a shop, check out pestocomics.com for a list of stores where you can order online!

Kickstarter Comics:

-------------------------------

NAKED KAIJU WOMAN #3

On Kickstarter - This April

https://bit.ly/nkw3

SNIP #3, 4 & 5

On Kickstarter - This Spring

https://bit.ly/snip3

CRIMSON FRONTIER #1 & 2

On Kickstarter - This Spring

https://bit.ly/cf1comic

PRIME CUT #1 & 2

On Kickstarter - This Fall

https://bit.ly/prime1comic

Books:

-----------

BACKLOT BABYLON (LEO LUCAS #1)

On Kickstarter - This Summer

https://bit.ly/backlotbabylon

==

This video is available as an audio podcast on all your favourite platforms as 'Pesto Comics Audio Edition' and on Substack at https://pestocomics.substack.com

---

See everything Pesto Comics has to offer at https://pestocomics.com

Find Adriano on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/pestocomics/

https://bsky.app/profile/pestocomics.bsky.social

https://x.com/pestocomics

https://www.tiktok.com/@pestocomics

See more from Adriano on the Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast every week: https://www.youtube.com/@InstantInkPodcast/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pestocomics.substack.com

From Parts Unknown #1 Hits Nearly 5,000 Orders — Thank You + What’s Next

The numbers for From Parts Unknown #1 are in, and I couldn't be happier with the sales! Reporting just under 5,000 orders, this is a huge win for Pesto Comics in the comic book industry.

00:00 The Big Numbers

00:52 Thank You

01:25 Career Highlight

02:01 The Plan for 2026

02:32 The 2027 Challenge

03:01 Release Schedule

03:53 Selling to the Direct Market

04:27 Why Pesto Comics

05:05 The Vision

05:44 Doubling Down

06:43 Final Thanks

==

Check out all the comics and books coming from Adriano and Pesto Comics!

Direct Market Comics:

-----------------------------------

FROM PARTS UNKNOWN #1

In Stores - Wednesday April 29th

FROM PARTS UNKNOWN #2

Available for Pre-Order (FOC) - Monday May 4th

In Stores - Wednesday June 3rd

If you aren't near a shop, check out pestocomics.com for a list of stores where you can order online!

Kickstarter Comics:

-------------------------------

NAKED KAIJU WOMAN #3

On Kickstarter - This April

https://bit.ly/nkw3

SNIP #3, 4 & 5

On Kickstarter - This Spring

https://bit.ly/snip3

CRIMSON FRONTIER #1 & 2

On Kickstarter - This Spring

https://bit.ly/cf1comic

PRIME CUT #1 & 2

On Kickstarter - This Fall

https://bit.ly/prime1comic

Books:

-----------

BACKLOT BABYLON (LEO LUCAS #1)

On Kickstarter - This Summer

https://bit.ly/backlotbabylon

==

This video is available as an audio podcast on all your favourite platforms as 'Pesto Comics Audio Edition' and on Substack at https://pestocomics.substack.com

---

See everything Pesto Comics has to offer at https://pestocomics.com

Find Adriano on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/pestocomics/

https://bsky.app/profile/pestocomics.bsky.social

https://x.com/pestocomics

https://www.tiktok.com/@pestocomics

See more from Adriano on the Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast every week: https://www.youtube.com/@InstantInkPodcast/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pestocomics.substack.com

FOC week is here - and it has me thinking about my mental health.

00:00 FOC Week Is Here

00:34 New Production Designer

01:22 Letters Page Announcement

02:56 Kickstarter & Direct Market Strategy

09:44 Managing the Workload

11:39 Burnout & Seeking Help

13:14 Knowing When to Step Back

15:18 Why It's Worth It

16:51 Closing & Next Week

==

Check out all the comics and books coming from Adriano and Pesto Comics!

Comics:

NAKED KAIJU WOMAN 3

https://bit.ly/nkw3

CRIMSON FRONTIER 1 & 2

https://bit.ly/cf1comic

PRIME CUT 1 & 2

https://bit.ly/prime1comic

Books

BACKLOT BABYLON (LEO LUCAS 1)

https://bit.ly/backlotbabylon

==

This video is available as an audio podcast on all your favourite platforms as 'Pesto Comics Audio Edition' and on Substack at https://pestocomics.substack.com

---

See everything Pesto Comics has to offer at https://pestocomics.com

Find Adriano on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/pestocomics/

https://bsky.app/profile/pestocomics.bsky.social

https://x.com/pestocomics

https://www.tiktok.com/@pestocomics

See more from Adriano on the Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast every week: https://www.youtube.com/@InstantInkPodcast/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pestocomics.substack.com

in indie comics I’m both writer and publisher, because I have to manage production, project coordination, and especially marketing to get books made.

I explain why the writer-versus-artist argument misses the point, why comics require a team and constant hustle, and why I’m also developing my novel series Backlot Babylon when I want a singular voice.

I also address getting unsolicited proposals and why I can’t take risks on other creators until my own direct-market foundation is solid.

00:00 Writer or Publisher?

00:35 Expectations of the "Writer"

01:10 Writer vs Artist

02:11 The Writer's Workload

03:31 Herding Cats

04:50 "Job Your Love"

06:12 Comics are a Group Effort

07:50 The Truth

09:55 Hustle and Risk

12:20 Fruits of Labor - From Parts Unknown #1

==

Check out all the comics and books coming from Adriano and Pesto Comics!

Comics:

NAKED KAIJU WOMAN 3

https://bit.ly/nkw3

CRIMSON FRONTIER 1 & 2

https://bit.ly/cf1comic

PRIME CUT 1 & 2

https://bit.ly/prime1comic

Books

BACKLOT BABYLON (LEO LUCAS 1)

https://bit.ly/backlotbabylon

==

This video is available as an audio podcast on all your favourite platforms as 'Pesto Comics Audio Edition' and on Substack at https://pestocomics.substack.com

---

See everything Pesto Comics has to offer at https://pestocomics.com

Find Adriano on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/pestocomics/

https://bsky.app/profile/pestocomics.bsky.social

https://x.com/pestocomics

https://www.tiktok.com/@pestocomics

See more from Adriano on the Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast every week: https://www.youtube.com/@InstantInkPodcast/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pestocomics.substack.com

After being waitlisted for TCAF, I’m reflecting on why "rejection" is actually providing the clarity I need to pivot away from the stress of convention tabling. I discuss the shift toward the direct market, the success of my latest projects, and why my "mainstream" style is finding a better home south of the border and in local comic shops.

Join me as I talk about building a creator community in Toronto and why 2026 is shaping up to be my biggest year yet despite the setbacks.

00:00 Welcome Back

00:53 Cutting Back on Tabling

01:21 The Cost of Conventions

02:39 Convention Connections & Community

04:42 2026 Wins & the Roadshow

05:39 Handling Soft Rejections from Stores

06:16 Early Lessons in Rejection

07:19 Toronto vs. Mainstream Comics

09:08 Finding Success in the Right Places

09:54 Turning Rejection into Clarity

11:00 Reminders & Sign-Off

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pestocomics.substack.com

I can and should do better, but things are rolling along!

00:00 Hello Again

01:47 Big Smoke Pulp Vol. 2

03:51 From Parts Unknown #1

05:48 Snip 1 & 2

07:54 Naked Kaiju Woman #3

08:40 Crimson Frontier

09:29 Prime Cut

10:04 Untitled Mattia Monaco Book

10:24 Untitled Sword & Sorcery Book

11:05 Avoiding Burnout

12:13 Coming Next Week

==

Check out all the comics and books coming from Adriano and Pesto Comics!

Comics:

SNIP 1 & 2

https://bit.ly/snip1comic

NAKED KAIJU WOMAN 3

https://bit.ly/nkw3

CRIMSON FRONTIER 1 & 2

https://bit.ly/cf1comic

PRIME CUT 1 & 2

https://bit.ly/prime1comic

==

This video is available as an audio podcast on all your favourite platforms as 'Pesto Comics Audio Edition' and on Substack at https://pestocomics.substack.com

---

See everything Pesto Comics has to offer at https://pestocomics.com

Find Adriano on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/pestocomics/

https://bsky.app/profile/pestocomics.bsky.social

https://x.com/pestocomics

https://www.tiktok.com/@pestocomics

See more from Adriano on the Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast every week: https://www.youtube.com/@InstantInkPodcast/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pestocomics.substack.com

They call it the Messy Middle for a reason.

00:00 The Mid-Campaign Dead Zone

01:32 Followers and the Direct Market

03:11 The 100-Week Timeline

05:19 The Pesto Vault

06:04 The Messy Middle

==

Check out all the comics and books coming from Adriano and Pesto Comics!

Comics:

SNIP 1 & 2

https://bit.ly/snip1comic

NAKED KAIJU WOMAN 3

https://bit.ly/nkw3

CRIMSON FRONTIER 1 & 2

https://bit.ly/cf1comic

PRIME CUT 1 & 2

https://bit.ly/prime1comic

==

This video is available as an audio podcast on all your favourite platforms as 'Pesto Comics Audio Edition' and on Substack at https://pestocomics.substack.com

---

See everything Pesto Comics has to offer at https://pestocomics.com

Find Adriano on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/pestocomics/

https://bsky.app/profile/pestocomics.bsky.social

https://x.com/pestocomics

https://www.tiktok.com/@pestocomics

See more from Adriano on the Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast every week: https://www.youtube.com/@InstantInkPodcast/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pestocomics.substack.com

Sometimes you just need to do what works.

00:00 Pivot Back to Audio

01:02 The Change in Strategy

02:49 The AM Radio Host

05:38 Always Comics

06:44 Doubling Down on What Works

08:40 Different Streams for Different Audiences

11:20 Experience is the Best Teacher

14:25 One More Thing

==

Check out all the comics and books coming from Adriano and Pesto Comics!

Comics:

SNIP 1 & 2

https://bit.ly/snip1comic

NAKED KAIJU WOMAN 3

https://bit.ly/nkw3

CRIMSON FRONTIER 1 & 2

https://bit.ly/cf1comic

PRIME CUT 1 & 2

https://bit.ly/prime1comic

==

This video is available as an audio podcast on all your favourite platforms as 'Pesto Comics Audio Edition' and on Substack at https://pestocomics.substack.com

---

See everything Pesto Comics has to offer at https://pestocomics.com

Find Adriano on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/pestocomics/

https://bsky.app/profile/pestocomics.bsky.social

https://x.com/pestocomics

https://www.tiktok.com/@pestocomics

See more from Adriano on the Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast every week: https://www.youtube.com/@InstantInkPodcast/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pestocomics.substack.com