Pesto Comics - Audio Edition

We're back to audio every other week, for the off weeks when we're not doing video. This week, I reflect on the launch of SNIP and how I try to keep perspective in it all. 00:00 A Return to Audio

01:23 The Launch of Snip

02:58 The Kickstarter Advantage

03:58 Progress and Perspective

06:42 The Mental Game of Crowdfunding

09:28 What's the Point?

12:18 Thanks for Everything

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

Join me as I embark on a 100-week journey to make Pesto Comics a full-time publishing house, starting with the dual-issue launch of 'Snip'. Featuring stunning artwork and Kickstarter-exclusive covers, your support is crucial to our success. Let's build this dream together!

00:00 The 100-Week Challenge Begins

00:09 Building the Foundation of Pesto Comics

00:31 Entering the Direct Market

00:38 Revolutionizing Kickstarter Campaigns

00:51 Introducing 'Snip': A New Approach

01:28 Exclusive Collector Editions

01:51 Call to Action: Support the Dream

02:24 Final Words and Gratitude

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 this episode of Pesto Comics, Adriano announces a major development: Pesto Comics is going global in 2026 through a new partnership with Prana Publishers.

This collaboration will enable Pesto Comics titles to be distributed worldwide via Lunar Distribution, Universal Distribution, and Diamond UK.

Adriano outlines how this changes Pesto Comics Kickstarter campaigns, the introduction of biweekly releases, and exclusive variant covers.

Find out more at https://pestocomics.com

Watch the official announcement here: https://www.youtube.com/live/payOybqKw14?si=AhPQmo3N_FqOyqum&t=1170

00:00 Introduction

00:40 Entering the Direct Market

01:38 What about Kickstarter?

03:24 Ask for 'From Parts Unknown #1' at your LCS!

05:07 Super Secret Epilogue

==

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(ish): 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

I'm reflecting on the evolving indie comic market and the importance of staying current with indie comic trends. The role of digital comics app in reaching a wider audience. Ultimately, it's about making comics that resonate.00:00 Introduction

00:51 Trend 1: The Vertical Revolution

02:05 Trend 2: Digests and Compacts

02:50 Trend 3: Manga-fication of Storytelling

04:02 Summing It Up

05:16 Super Secret Epilogue==Check out all the comics and books coming from Adriano and Pesto Comics! Comics:SNIP 1 & 2https://bit.ly/snip1comicNAKED KAIJU WOMAN 3https://bit.ly/nkw3CRIMSON FRONTIER 1 & 2https://bit.ly/cf1comicPRIME CUT 1 & 2https://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.comFind Adriano on social media:https://www.instagram.com/pestocomics/https://bsky.app/profile/pestocomics.bsky.socialhttps://x.com/pestocomicshttps://www.tiktok.com/@pestocomicsSee 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

I'm reflecting on my 2026 New Year's resolution and the importance of focusing on personal development. This video explores my journey in self improvement and the role of system thinking in achieving goals. Ultimately, it's about self actualization and continuous self help, even when plans go awry.

Find the Super Secret Epilogue here: https://youtu.be/xpgUGAtIwNk

00:00 Intro

01:35 Systems, Not Results

02:11 Focusing on What's Important

02:53 Don't Give Up

03:19 Just Finish

==

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

Pesto Comics 2026 Preview: Exciting New Projects and Major ChangesIn this end-of-year special, Adriano from Pesto Comics outlines the exciting new projects and significant operational changes coming in 2026. Announcements include a shift in Kickstarter focus exclusively to comics, double shipping campaigns for more efficient releases, and partnerships with third-party shippers to improve distribution. Upcoming series include 'Snip', 'Crimson Frontier', 'Naked Kaiju Woman', 'Prime Cut', and more. Tune in for an in-depth look at what's ahead for Pesto Comics in 2026.00:00 Intro

01:12 Comics Only Going Forward (on Kickstarter)

01:55 Double the Comics Per Campaign

02:36 Double the Campaigns

03:14 Help with Fulfillment

04:21 More than Comics

05:04 Less Focus on Conventions

06:15 Focusing on the Back End

07:04 A Huge Announcement...in January

07:29 The Comics of 2026

07:36 Snip #1-2

08:28 Crimson Frontier

09:21 Naked Kaiju Woman #3-4

10:29 Prime Cut #1-2

11:15 New Untitled Series w/ Mattia Monaco

12:01 Untitled Mini-Series w/ Roberto Viacava

12:48 Summing Up the New Campaign Strategy

13:36 The Books

13:41 Switch/Restart

14:22 Leo Lucas in Backlot Babylon

15:30 The Trading Card Game

16:16 Pesto Comics on Socials

17:22 Let's Do 2026 Right!

18:48 Super Secret Epilogue

18:53 Switch/Restart - Rework

20:01 From Parts Unknown II

20:44 The FIVE Comic Strips

22:39 Literary Graphic Novels

24:16 More Way-Too-Early-to-Announce Projects==Check out all the comics and books coming from Adriano and Pesto Comics! Comics:SNIP 1 & 2https://bit.ly/snip1comicNAKED KAIJU WOMAN 3https://bit.ly/nkw3CRIMSON FRONTIER 1 & 2https://bit.ly/cf1comicPRIME CUT 1 & 2https://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.comFind Adriano on social media:https://www.instagram.com/pestocomics/https://bsky.app/profile/pestocomics.bsky.socialhttps://x.com/pestocomicshttps://www.tiktok.com/@pestocomicsSee 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

Super Secret Epilogue: https://youtu.be/Ok54Kw9ddgk

A Year in Review for Pesto Comics

Adriano from Pesto Comics looks back at the successes and lessons of 2025.

Featuring key highlights from the year like 'Naked Kaiju Woman' and 'From Parts Unknown,' Adriano reflects on campaigns, comics, and upcoming projects for 2026.

00:00 Intro

00:19 What the plan was for 2025

01:18 Comics of 2025

04:58 Books of 2025

07:07 Podcasts of 2025

10:45 Did 2025 live up to the 'All or Nothing' theme?

13:02 Super Secret Epilogue

==

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

==

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

What Worked for My Substack in 2025

I've posted over 70 times on Substack this year and experimented with various formats. Discover my key learnings from these experiments, the importance of a strong email list, and tips for maintaining engagement. 00:00 Intro

00:46 The Importance of an Email List

01:50 Experiment #1: Elsewhere in the Universe

03:21 Experiment #2: Paid Subscribers

05:44 Experiment #3: Video Posts

07:50 Lesson #1: Frequency Isn't Everything

09:02 Lesson #2: Have Something Special for Paid Subs

10:16 Lesson #3: Format Matters

11:41 Lesson #4: Diversify Platforms

12:43 Looking Forward to 2026

18:17 Super Secret Epilogue

24:48 Beyond the Paywall

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

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com

Welcome Back

I have a campaign that is live on Kickstarter called Big Smoke Pulp Vol. 2, and you can get it through December 19th. If you’re paying attention, you may notice that December 19th is very, very close to Christmas.

Did I make a horrible mistake in doing so?

Hard to say.

I had a very good launch day, while being very careful not to launch on the week of Thanksgiving, which I was getting very close to. (By Thanksgiving, I mean American Thanksgiving. Hello from Canada!)

Thank goodness I did because it was dead quiet during the Thanksgiving weekend. This is understandable since most backers are from the US.

That’s just a matter of fact, even with this campaign where I’m seeing a lot of backers from the UK and from Canada. The majority always come from the US, and that is no exception here. Avoiding their holidays makes a ton of sense.

However, I’m still doing this in the thick of the holiday season. I had a Black Friday sale, which was really just an early backer sale that you would have any time of the year, but calling it Black Friday I think may have helped.

The Truth about December

The truth about Kickstarter in December is it’s a dead zone. People aren’t shopping for themselves—they’re shopping for other people.

You can’t rely on Kickstarter for gift-giving.

It wouldn’t be a good idea to say, “Hey, I backed the campaign. They say they might deliver in March. We’ll have to see. By the way, there’s a survey for your address that you’ll receive in February.”

That’s not a reasonable ask.

Not a lot of people are going to be on Kickstarter for that reason. They’re looking everywhere else.

This is why I usually tried to avoid the month of December entirely.

(To be fair, I didn’t launch in December this time, but I did give this campaign a little bit longer of a stretch.)

This campaign will end on December 19th, which is just a few days before Christmas. I may have burnt myself a little bit. It will be interesting to talk about in the post-mortem when I do that in the new year.

The Good News

Although the holiday season is slower and may be harder to get new backers in, I did see a lot of people returning this time out.

The numbers are roughly 50/50 in terms of total funded. New backers are spending a lot more, thanks to catch-up tiers, so although the count of backers isn’t 50/50, they’re carrying nearly equal weight.

This goes to show that building an audience and having people aware of campaigns you’re launching, regardless of the season, is the most important thing you can do.

We did about 80% of our business—which is still only about two-thirds of the way through this campaign—with backers on day one.

That means it was a lot of people who were in pre-launch, who were paying attention to the newsletter, or following on all the various socials (on YouTube or on Substack) knew to look for Big Smoke Pulp and made sure to back it as soon as humanly possible.

What Can You Do?

I’m on the fence about whether or not to launch holiday Kickstarter. I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad idea, but I do think there are some things you can do to make yourself succeed.

I have three strategies. Let’s go through them…

Strategy #1: Gauge Your Audience First

Unless you already have a massive audience and have people that you can draw in that are not sensitive to the Kickstarter algorithm, then avoid November and December if you can. Just wait till January.

I’ve launched in January. It’s arguably a weird time because a lot of people have been spending through November and December on other people and all kinds of gifts and parties.

Common sentiment is it’s their time to breathe and not spend. Yet, a lot of people got gift cards and monetary gifts, so they’re ready to spend in January.

I’ve always done well with my campaigns in January. I will continue to launch then, including…

The New Book: SNIP

And with that, that’s my segue into something that I have launching in January with my good buddy, Riccardo Faccini. We have a new comic series called SNIP. It is available in pre-launch on Kickstarter right now.

What’s different about this campaign than anything we’ve done in the past is this is double-shipping. From Parts Unknown was a “double-sized” issue. This is going to be two separate issues shipped out to you as they’re ready.

Issue one is nearly finished and will be ready to ship to you as soon as the campaign is over. Then, because you’ve backed the campaign, you’ll receive number two as soon as it’s ready shortly after that.

We’re trying something a little new with how campaigns go in the new year.

If you’re interested, join us in January, which isn’t a bad time to launch campaigns. To that point…

Strategy #2: Extend Your Campaign

One experiment I would run if I ran another campaign during the holidays is to extend my campaign through January.

The limit set by Kickstarter is 60 days. The >30-day campaign isn’t a rule, more of a norm. It’s a nice round number and us creators seem to enjoy that.

But realistically, you could run a campaign for 60 days. If you don’t care about those days where you might get no backers or you might get negative backers, but you are ready for the spike in January, then it might be worth it to just run an extra-long campaign that goes through the holidays.

And this way there’s no pressure for backers to back you during a holiday season.

Strategy #3: Build the Mailing List

The most important point of all of this—build a mailing list. If you do not have a mailing list as of right now, go build one.

You can build it for free using Substack, although there are other providers like Ghost and MailerLite. Whatever your platform that you’re interested in using, go use it and start collecting emails.

Start getting people to follow you.

If you don’t have that much to say, that’s okay. Think of something to say once a month, once every two months. As long as you’re checking in so that when you do have something to say.

Wrapping Up

I hope you have a good sense of what the pitfalls are and what you can do to try to make a Kickstarter campaign during the holiday season a success.

I’ll get into a lot more detail about how Big Smoke Pulp Vol. 2 went in the new year when we do a post-mortem, and I’ll give you all the details of exactly how the campaign went. Some mistakes I’ve made, some things that went well.

The key thing I want you to get out of this whole conversation is you shouldn’t be afraid to experiment.

Yes, it might cost you, but it could work out very well too. You never know until you try it.

I’ll keep sharing my experience and how I see things with everything I’ve done with Pesto Comics and beyond. You should always be willing to experiment and try things on your own.

It’s a cop-out answer from me, but I hope you enjoyed it.

What’s To Come

I want to keep things a little bit light for this holiday season, but this is the last op-ed style post I have for 2025.

Now through the rest of the year, we’re going to be looking back at 2025.

We’ll start next week talking about the Year of Substack and all the things I learned about running a newsletter.

Then we’ll look at Pesto Comics as a whole through 2025 and how the year went.

For the last post of the year, we’re going to do a preview of all the things coming for 2026 with Pesto Comics. I’m very excited to get all that out to you.

If you’re a paid subscriber on Substack, we’ll get into the numbers of Big Smoke Pulp in the video version. There’s just over a week left, so this will be the second-to-last check-in.

And with that, I want to thank you for being here.

Until next time…

Project Links

Here’s just some of what’s coming in 2026 - we’ll be announcing more on December 31st, with even more big announcements coming late January!

—

Big Smoke Pulp Vol. 2

Live until December 19th! Support it while you can!

—

Naked Kaiju Woman #3

The third Naked Kaiju Woman is in prelaunch! Rafael is well underway with this issue.

Get updates by following it. Aiming for a Spring 2026 release.

—

Snip #1-2

NEW COMIC SERIES!

Erase Someone Else. Save Yourself.

A double-issue campaign! Get the first two issues of Snip with one pledge!

Launching mid-to-late January. Don’t miss out!

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com

I reflect on why I failed the Novel November challenge again. I've got four good reasons why and some solutions for future challenges.Plus - a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!00:00 Intro

01:01 Project Updates

03:40 What Did I Do So Wrong?!

03:46 Mistake #1: Failed to Plan

05:18 Mistake #2: My Timing was Awful

06:36 Mistake #3: No Set Schedule

08:00 Mistake #4: Novel November Might Be the Wrong Goal

08:56 Lessons Learned

10:54 Wrapping It Up

12:55 - Super Secret Epilogue

16:16 - Beyond the Paywall: BSPv2 Live Update==Check out all the comics and books coming from Adriano and Pesto Comics! Comics:SNIP 1 & 2https://bit.ly/snip1comicNAKED KAIJU WOMAN 3https://bit.ly/nkw3Books:BACKLOT BABYLONhttps://bit.ly/backlotbabylonSWITCH/RESTARThttps://bit.ly/switchrestart==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.comFind Adriano on social media:https://www.instagram.com/pestocomics/https://bsky.app/profile/pestocomics.bsky.socialhttps://x.com/pestocomicshttps://www.tiktok.com/@pestocomicsSee more from Adriano on the Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast every week: https://www.youtube.com/@InstantInkPodcast/