In Episode 124 of Talkin' Comics, AJ, Annakhan, share their unforgettable trip to HeroesCon 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina! And Colin Hawkins joins the show to talk about his new project!

From meeting Stephanie Phillips and Skottie Young to finding rare Harley Quinn comics, Thor back issues, exclusive variants, and convention freebies, this episode is packed with comic book excitement.

We also discuss our weekly comic pulls, current reads, HeroesCon experiences, creator interactions, convention tips, and some incredible moments that made this one of our favorite comic conventions ever.

If you love comic books, creator interviews, convention coverage, Harley Quinn, Thor, Batman, indie comics, and comic collecting, this episode is for you.

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Host: A.J. Reimann https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Co-Host: Annakhan

Co-Host: Colin Hawkins https://paa.ge/nuffsaidbooks

Check out his Kickstarter!!! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nuffsaidbooks/death-and-freedom-the-one-shot-you-cant-miss

🗯️New Website: https://www.talkincomics.com/

📰Sign up for our newsletter 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

🫵 Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingComicsPodcast

👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk

Sponsors:

• 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...

Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Technical Difficulties and Introductions

00:49 Comic Book Collecting and Recent Acquisitions

07:38 Weekly Polls and Recommendations

13:22 Reading Experiences and Nostalgia

20:18 Wrap-Up and Future Plans

21:46 Media Consumption and Gaming Updates

23:51 HeroesCon Experience and Highlights

25:58 Meeting Comic Creators and Collecting

33:07 Convention Insights and Personal Connections

40:44 Fan Interactions and Collectibles

49:26 Final Thoughts and Future Conventions

51:20 Meeting the Artist: A Memorable Encounter

53:12 Comic Con Highlights: Auctions and Collectibles

54:36 Family Fun: Collectibles and Experiences

57:29 Recap of Heroes Con: A Day to Remember

01:00:23 Mail Time: Unboxing Surprises

01:01:06 Question Time: Fun and Insightful Queries

01:17:30 Reflecting on Thoughtful Memories

01:18:30 Fun Questions and Lore Building

01:20:03 Question Time: A Game of Choices

01:22:36 Exploring Harley Quinn: Hero or Villain?

01:23:11 Suicide Squad vs. Birds of Prey

01:24:49 Chaos vs. Strategy: A Fun Debate

01:27:47 Animated vs. Comic Harley Quinn

01:28:49 Team Up Choices: Batman or Ivy?

01:29:30 Final Questions and Victory Speech

01:32:13 Kickstarter Campaign for Death and Freedom

01:37:05 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

Music code NJKFU7R0GVK4ZXXV

#TalkinComics

#HeroesCon

#ComicBooks

#ComicBookPodcast

#StephaniePhillips

#SkottieYoung

#HarleyQuinn

#ThorComics

#ComicCollecting

#ComicCommunity

What happens when a history buff, police officer, and comic creator combine their passions into one epic story?

This week on Talkin' Comics, AJ sits down with creator Ryan Bird to discuss his upcoming comic Red Devil, part of the larger Task Force Liberty universe. Inspired by Golden Age comics and World War II history, Red Devil follows Diablo Redhill, an Apache Marine thrust into the Pacific Theater during WWII.

Ryan dives deep into comic writing, historical research, Kickstarter campaigns, world-building, and bringing comics to life with artists. Plus, AJ shares stories from creating The Chronicles of Panel Pete and printing comics by hand.

If you love indie comics, historical fiction, World War II stories, or comic creation, this episode is for you.

⚡ Support Ryan's Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/taskforceliberty/red-devil-1-welcome-to-hell

⚡ Subscribe for weekly creator interviews, comic news, trivia, and more!

Host: A.J. Reimann https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Guest: Ryan Bird @authorbird94

🗯️New Website: https://www.talkincomics.com/

📰Sign up for our newsletter 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

🫵 Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingComicsPodcast

👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk

Sponsors:

• 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...

Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ryan Bird and His Journey

02:18 Creative Writing and Comic Script Development

05:23 The Concept Behind Red Devil

08:20 Character Development and Historical Context

11:28 Writing Process and Collaboration with Artists

12:52 Pitching Red Devil and Kickstarter Campaign

26:42 The Invasion of Guadalcanal: A Historical Perspective

29:08 Blending History with Fiction in Comics

29:35 Creative Challenges and Future Storylines

31:31 The Quirky Side of Missouri: Uranus Fudge Factory

33:36 Nostalgia for Superheroes: Early Favorites

35:22 Exploring Current Comic Series

37:28 Living in a Comic Book Universe

38:29 Dreaming of Superpowers

39:23 Choosing the Perfect Sidekick

39:50 Life as a Comic Book: Title Ideas

#TalkinComics #IndieComics #WorldWarII #ComicBooks #Kickstarter #HistoricalFiction #ComicCreator #ComicPodcast #RedDevil #TaskForceLiberty #GoldenAgeComics #PanelPete

Disclaimer: And were back to fun thumbnails. According to Annakhan we were getting to boring on our episode thumbnails!

Welcome to Talkin' Comics Episode 122!

This episode is brought to you by Ryan Bird's Red Devil: Task Force Liberty Kickstarter. Red Devil is a thrilling WWII epic, telling the story of Diablo Redhill, a U.S. Marine forced into service after being wrongfully convicted simply for defending himself and his ranch. Witness the birth of a legend in this first chapter in the saga of "Task Force Liberty"

Check the links below to support the project and discover a thrilling World War II comic adventure. Live now on Kickstarter!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/taskforceliberty/red-devil-1-welcome-to-hell

This week AJ and Annakhan share their latest comic book pulls, discuss what they've been reading, preview their upcoming trip to HeroesCon, and test their knowledge with a fun Scotty Young trivia challenge.

Books discussed include Absolute Catwoman #1, Supergirl #14, Masters of the Universe #1, Daredevil #3, Immortal Thor, Jay and Silent Bob: Jay's Future Past, Devil in the Herd, Freedom Fontaine: The Undead Bounty Hunter, and more.

Plus, hear about meeting creators at HeroesCon, collecting comic merchandise, and the latest Kickstarter projects from independent creators.

Host: A.J. Reimann https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Co-Host: Annakhan

🗯️New Website: https://www.talkincomics.com/

📰Sign up for our newsletter 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

🫵 Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingComicsPodcast

👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk

Sponsors:

• 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...

Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc

Subscribe for weekly comic book discussions, creator interviews, trivia, comic reviews, convention coverage, and indie comic spotlights.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Sponsorship Announcement

03:33 Weekly Polls and Comic Book Reviews

09:56 Upcoming Events and Conventions

10:56 Unboxing and Collectibles Discussion

23:16 Trivia Time and Scotty Young Discussion

#TalkinComics

#ComicBooks

#ComicBookPodcast

#ScottyYoung

#IHateFairyland

#HeroesCon

#MarvelComics

#DCComics

#ComicTrivia

#ComicCollectors

#IndieComics

#ComicCommunity

#ComicBookReviews

#ComicCreators

#WeeklyComicPulls

On this episode of Talkin' Comics, AJ sits down with award-winning fantasy author Evan Kidwell to discuss his debut novel, Timaeus Spark and the Luck Curse.

Evan shares how childhood bullying, fantasy novels, and a lifelong love of storytelling inspired him to create a young adult fantasy adventure that readers describe as Harry Potter meets The Hunger Games. We discuss writing your first novel, publishing, comic conventions, resilience, friendship, and the lessons that shaped his life.

If you're a fan of fantasy books, young adult fiction, Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, comics, manga, and inspiring creator stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow Talkin' Comics for more creator interviews, comic discussions, trivia, and geek culture content.

Host: A.J. Reimann https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Guest:Evan Kidwell linktr.ee/evan_kidwell_author

**VOTE for Evan in the International Book Awards**

https://apply.internationalimpactbookawards.com/public-voting-form

🗯️New Website: https://www.talkincomics.com/

📰Sign up for our newsletter 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

🫵 Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingComicsPodcast

👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk

Sponsors:

• 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...

Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Evan Kidwell: Author Journey Begins

08:44 Overcoming Childhood Bullying Through Writing

17:33 Writing Process and Philosophy

20:33 Publishing Journey and Hybrid Model

21:05 The Importance of Feedback in Writing

27:05 Navigating the Publishing Process

31:11 Advice for Aspiring Authors

34:34 Overcoming Trauma and Bullying

37:09 Creating Relatable Stories

46:14 Fun Questions and Personal Insights

#TalkinComics

#EvanKidwell

#FantasyBooks

#YAFantasy

#BookTube

#AuthorInterview

#HarryPotter

#TheHungerGames

#WritingCommunity

#IndieAuthor

#FantasyAuthor

#ReadersFavorite

This week on Talkin' Comics Podcast, AJ and Annakhan dive into their latest comic book pickups, including Storm #5, Poison Ivy #45, Doctor Strange #7, Harley & Ivy: All or Nothing, and Devil in the Herd from Invader Comics.

Then it's time to discuss the brand-new Masters of the Universe movie! We share our spoiler-filled thoughts, favorite characters, surprises, and whether He-Man truly has the power.

Plus, Star Wars Pogs, Panelman t-shirts, comic book news, Masters of the Universe trivia, This or That, and plenty of comic book fun!

Like, Subscribe, and join us every week for comics, movies, collectibles, trivia, and geek culture conversations.

Host: A.J. Reimann https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Co-Host: Annakhan

🗯️New Website: https://www.talkincomics.com/

📰Sign up for our newsletter 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

🫵 Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingComicsPodcast

👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk

Sponsors:

• 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...

Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:40 Weekly Comic Polls and New Releases

02:46 Comic Book Discussions and Future Plans

05:26 Unexpected Recognition and Local Media

06:17 He-Man Movie Review and Spoilers

10:45 Pogs and Nostalgia

15:54 Trivia Time: Masters of the Universe

27:07 Conclusion and Future Content

#TalkinComics #HeMan #MastersoftheUniverse #ComicBooks #ComicBookPodcast #Skeletor #GeekCulture #ComicCollectors #WeeklyComics #StarWarsPogs

This week on Talkin' Comics, AJ sits down with comic creator Justin Coke, the writer behind the supernatural crime comic SWAT.

Justin shares his journey from lawyer and novelist to comic creator, discusses writing a 36-issue comic universe, finding the right artist, launching Kickstarter campaigns, and navigating the realities of indie comic publishing.

We also dive into Harrow County, Sandman, Nightwing, crowdfunding, comic conventions, marketing comics, and what it really takes to build an audience in today's comic industry.

If you're an indie creator, comic fan, Kickstarter enthusiast, or aspiring writer, this episode is packed with valuable insights and plenty of laughs.

Support SWAT and discover more indie comics!

Host: A.J. Reimann https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Guest: Justin Coke https://weirdshark.art/

Follow the Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/edgeofdarkness/swat-eldritch-blue

🗯️New Website: https://www.talkincomics.com/

📰Sign up for our newsletter 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

🫵 Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingComicsPodcast

👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk

Sponsors:

• 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...

Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:08 Transition to Comic Writing

07:44 Kickstarter Campaign Insights

12:07 Art and Collaboration in Comics

16:33 Writing Process and Inspirations

21:37 Pitching and Marketing Comics

25:38 Conventions and Future Plans

29:09 Passion Over Profit: The Indie Comic Journey

32:12 Writing with Purpose: Eliminating Irrelevance

33:47 The M Files: A Unique Comic Concept

34:52 Comic Book Origins: From Childhood to Adult Enthusiasm

36:36 Exploring the Indie Comic Scene

38:30 Accessibility in Comics: The Need for Affordability

39:34 The Future of Comics: Competing with Manga

41:49 Favorite Characters and Series: A Personal Touch

44:33 Living in a Comic Universe: Choices and Preferences

45:37 Superpowers and Sidekicks: Fun Hypotheticals

46:34 Life as a Comic: Titles and Reflections

48:11 Reflections on the Past: Growing Up as a Jehovah's Witness

49:42 The Internet and Social Media: Navigating Modern Platforms

#TalkinComics #IndieComics #KickstarterComics #ComicBooks #ComicCreator #SWATComic #Crowdfunding #ComicWriting #Podcast #IndependentComics #GraphicNovel #ComicCommunity #Lovecraft

This week on Talkin' Comics, AJ and Annakhan dive into weekly comic pulls featuring Batman, Dick Tracy, Spawn, Harley Quinn, Berserker, Battle Beast, Absolute Wonder Woman, and more!

They also talk about their trip home from Traverse City, visiting the National Museum of the Air Force, comic convention adventures, new merch ideas, and an absolutely chaotic Dick Tracy trivia showdown.

PLUS: fake villain names, comic debates, weird job interviews, comic shop pickups, and plenty of random chaos only Talkin' Comics can deliver.

Host: A.J. Reimann https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Co-Host: Annakhan

🗯️New Website: https://www.talkincomics.com/

📰Sign up for our newsletter 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

🫵 Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingComicsPodcast

👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk

Sponsors:

• 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...

Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:31 Weekly Polls and Comic Book Highlights

06:02 Recent Reads and Upcoming Releases

09:56 Con Experience and Comic Shop Adventures

13:59 Job Interview Skit and Trivia

25:36 Conclusion and Farewell

#TalkinComics #DickTracy #ComicBooks #Batman #ComicPodcast #HarleyQuinn #Spawn #ComicCollectors #Berserker #WeeklyPulls

This week on the Talkin' Comics podcast, AJ and Annakhan sit down with indie comic creator Dan Price, the mastermind behind Bigfoot Knows Karate. From the origins of the series to Kickstarter success, convention stories, comic book inspiration, and the realities of indie comic creation, this episode is packed with laughs, behind-the-scenes insight, and creator wisdom.

Dan talks about the creation of Bigfoot Knows Karate: Godkiller, working with Homebrewed Comics, convention life, comic collaborations, and building a loyal indie comic community.

If you love indie comics, Kickstarter comics, comic conventions, cryptids, kaiju, and creator interviews, this episode is for you.

Subscribe for more episodes of the Talkin' Comics podcast featuring comic creators, artists, writers, cosplay, movies, gaming, and comic culture.

Host: A.J. Reimann https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Guest: Dan Price https://linktr.ee/danomyte139

🗯️New Website: https://www.talkincomics.com/

📰Sign up for our newsletter 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

🫵 Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingComicsPodcast

👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk

Sponsors:

• 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...

Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Comic Background

03:11 Kickstarter Success and Bigfoot Knows Karate

08:23 Collaboration and Artistic Process

13:04 Conventions and Networking Strategies

20:30 Parenting and Supporting Passion

23:25 Conventions and Comic Book Culture

26:51 The Journey of Comic Creation

33:25 The Evolution of Bigfoot Knows Karate

44:14 Kickstarter and Funding Strategies

47:22 The Journey of Podcasting and Comic Creation

48:50 Kickstarter Campaigns and Book Editions

50:47 Fun Questions and Personal Favorites

54:25 Indie Comics and Recommendations

58:41 Life Reflections and Comic Book Universes

01:01:04 Personal Stories and Comic Book Titles

01:04:21 Promoting Projects and Future Collaborations

#IndieComics #BigfootKnowsKarate #KickstarterComics #TalkinComics #ComicBooks

This week on Talkin' Comics podcast, AJ and Annakhan are LIVE from Cherry City Comic Con in Traverse City, Michigan! From cosplay trivia and convention adventures to indie comic sales, board games, and hilarious convention stories, this episode is packed with comic con energy.

We talk cosplay contests, favorite cosplay moments, comic pickups, meeting creators, TikTok cosplay creators, and what it’s like selling indie comics on the convention floor.

PLUS:

🔥 Cosplay True or False

🎭 Cosplay Trivia Questions

🃏 Board Games & Pokémon Cards

📚 Harley Quinn #1 Exclusive Cover

🎨 Indie Comic Creator Life

🦸 Comic Con Stories & Laughs

Make sure to subscribe for more comic talk, conventions, cosplay discussions, indie comics, movies, games, and more from Talkin' Comics podcast!

Host: A.J. Reimann https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Co-Host: Annakhan

🗯️New Website: https://www.talkincomics.com/

📰Sign up for our newsletter 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

🫵 Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingComicsPodcast

👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk

Sponsors:

• 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...

Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Cherry City Comic Con

02:46 Experiences at the Convention

05:43 Comic Book Purchases and Weekly Reads

08:26 Board Games and Trivia Fun

16:19 Cosplay Insights and Preferences

#TalkinComics #ComicCon #Cosplay #CherryCityComicCon #IndieComics #ComicBooks #GeekCulture #Podcast #Marvel #DCComics

Comic creator Benjamin Hunting returns to Talkin' Comics to discuss Dead Air #3, indie comic Kickstarter challenges, 90s music culture, comic printing, crowdfunding in 2026, creative burnout, and the future of independent comics.

We also dive into:

Dead Air’s supernatural mystery story

Bringing comics back to print

The realities of shipping comics internationally

Comic shop support for indie creators

Favorite comics and creators

Comic writing advice

Fun comic book questions and debates

If you love indie comics, Kickstarter projects, comic creator interviews, and comic culture discussions, this episode is for you.

Support Dead Air here:

Dead Air Comic Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/benjaminhunting/dead-air-1-3-90s-college-radio-sci-fi-with-a-soundtrack

Follow Talkin' Comics for more comic creator interviews, trivia, reviews, and indie comic conversations.

Host: A.J. Reimann https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Guest: Benjamin Hunting @huntingbenjamin

🗯️New Website: https://www.talkincomics.com/

📰Sign up for our newsletter 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

🫵 Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingComicsPodcast

👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk

Sponsors:

• 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...

Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Growth

01:58 Kickstarter Success and Project Updates

04:45 Overcoming Printing Challenges

07:49 Future Plans and Creative Process

10:45 Navigating Career Changes and Creative Burnout

13:54 Community Support and Indie Comics

16:45 Unique Rewards and 90s Nostalgia

18:36 Nostalgia for Physical Media

22:52 The Joy of College Radio

24:50 Discovering New Comics

29:18 The Evolution of a Writer

30:08 Comic Characters and Villains

36:28 Closing Thoughts and Future Projects

#IndieComics #ComicBooks #Kickstarter #DeadAirComic #BenjaminHunting #TalkingComics #ComicPodcast #GraphicNovel #Crowdfunding #Comics