Talkin' Comics Podcast

Welcome to Talkin' Comics Episode 106! This week we celebrate a HUGE milestone—our Kickstarter is officially funded! 🎉 We break down our convention experience, meeting creators, landing our first store, and making our first online sale.

We also dive into:

Weekly comic book pulls 📚

Harley Quinn trivia & “This or That” challenge 🃏

Creator journey updates & upcoming conventions

Indie comic hustle behind the scenes

Plus, Annakah shows off her original zine Panel Pete Goes to the Moon! 🌙

If you love comics, indie creators, and behind-the-scenes comic making—this is for you.

👉 Subscribe for weekly comic talk, trivia, and creator insights!

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 Kickstarter Success and Updates

09:52 Comic Con Experiences and Networking

17:58 Weekly Polls and Comic Discussions

25:31 Trivia and Games: Harley Quinn Edition

32:29 Blind Bag Reveals and Closing Thoughts

#Comics #IndieComics #ComicBooks #Kickstarter #ComicCon #HarleyQuinn #GeekCulture #ComicCollectors #Podcast #TalkinComics #FreeComicBookDay #ComicCreators #WeeklyPulls

What does it really take to create a comic book—and keep going when life hits hardest?

In this powerful episode of Talkin’ Comics, AJ sits down with Zen J. Jackson, a creator, storyteller, and father who shares his raw, unfiltered journey through art, loss, perseverance, and purpose.

From building an ashcan comic to navigating personal tragedy, Zen breaks down what it truly means to be a creator in today’s world. This is more than comics—this is about resilience, family, and finding your voice.

If you’ve ever struggled to create, felt like quitting, or needed inspiration to keep going… this episode is for you.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more creator conversations every week!

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

Guest: Zen J. Jackson @zenjjackson

🗯️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 The Journey into Podcasting and Comics

02:34 Creating and Cherishing Ashcans

04:40 Navigating Artistic Identity and Style

07:35 The Balance of Art and Storytelling

10:51 Perseverance in the Face of Challenges

13:40 The Importance of Community and Support

16:37 Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation

19:45 Personal Struggles and Artistic Expression

22:48 Finding Purpose Through Adversity

25:32 The Future of Creativity and Collaboration

01:00:20 NEWCHAPTER

01:00:25 you subscribe on (Video).mp4

01:00:51 riverside_aqu_ad (video) _ jul 11, 2025 001_aquaudio.mp4

#ComicBooks #IndieComics #CreatorJourney #Storytelling #ArtistLife #Motivation #CreativeProcess #Podcast #TalkinComics #Inspiration #MakeComics #IndieCreator #LifeLessons #CreativeLife

Spring Break vibes, comic conventions, and BIG wins! In this episode of Talkin’ Comics, we recap Oak City Comic Con, celebrate a successful Kickstarter, and hit the road for more comic adventures. Plus weekly pulls, what we’ve been reading, gaming updates, and a fun round of Catwoman trivia!

Don’t forget—you can now grab comics, sticker packs, and more at TalkinComics.com (just drop the “G” 😉)

👍 Like, Subscribe, and join the conversation!

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 Spring Break Adventures

02:53 Weekly Pulls and Reads

08:55 Kickstarter Success and New Releases

14:15 Trivia Time and Fun Games

24:36 NEWCHAPTER

24:41 riverside_new_back ground _talkin'_comics.mp4

25:07 riverside_aqu_ad (video) _ jul 11, 2025 001_aquaudio.mp4

#TalkinComics #ComicBooks #ComicCon #IndieComics #GeekCulture #PodcastLife #DCComics #Catwoman #ComicCollectors #KickstarterComics

In this episode of Talkin’ Comics, AJ sits down with indie comic creator Malcolm McFadden, founder of 615 Comics, to talk about building a comic universe from scratch, finding artists, Kickstarter strategies, and the real grind behind indie comics.

Malcolm shares his journey from ideas to published books, lessons learned (including getting ghosted by artists 😬), and advice for creators looking to launch their own comics.

We also dive into:

Kickstarter strategies (before, during & after launch)

Finding artists on Instagram vs Fiverr

Convention experiences & selling comics

Building a comic universe with multiple titles

Promoting your comic every single day

🎯 PLUS: Malcolm talks about his upcoming Kickstarter for Thema: The Queen of War — a fantasy epic with gods, monsters, and magic!

👇 Don’t forget to:

👍 Like

💬 Comment your favorite indie comic

🔔 Subscribe for more creator conversations

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

Guest: Malcolm McFadden https://linktr.ee/sixfifteencomics

🗯️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

Introduction to Malcolm McFadden & 615 Comics (00:00 – 01:34)

The Creative Process: Writing vs. Illustrating (01:34 – 02:48)

The "Con" Experience & Grassroots Marketing (03:27 – 06:44)

Developing a Script & Collaborative Tools (06:44 – 08:25)

Working with Artists: The Good and the Ghosted (08:25 – 10:32)

Homages to the Indie Community (10:32 – 14:48)

The Kickstarter Grind (14:48 – 20:33)

Overcoming the "Mid-Campaign Slump" (20:33 – 32:10)

Preview: Thema, The Queen of War (32:10 – 34:17)

Rapid Fire: Fun Questions & Origins (34:17 – 42:12)

#IndieComics #ComicCreators #KickstarterComics #MakeComics #ComicBooks #SelfPublishing #IndieCreators #TalkinComics #Crowdfunding #ComicArt

This week on Talkin' Comics, we dive into a Daredevil-packed episode! From weekly comic pulls to Daredevil trivia, blind bag openings, and our comic character bracket reaching its epic conclusion—this episode has it all.

We also reveal brand new Talkin' Comics merch (shirts, hats, and stickers 👀), talk about our upcoming convention appearance, and share updates on the Kickstarter—only ONE WEEK LEFT!

PLUS: Did Daredevil actually win our entire bracket?! You’ll have to watch to find out.

👉 Shop merch, comics & more: TalkinComics.com

👉 Support the Kickstarter before it ends! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641500179/the-chronicles-of-panel-pete

Host: A.J. Reimann

Co-Host: Annakhan

📰 Full episode blog on Substack 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

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

Hit like, subscribe, and check out all things Panel Pete below!

https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

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...

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

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Episode Overview

02:17

Weekly Comic Pulls and Recommendations

05:16

Reading and Watching Updates

07:39

Upcoming Convention and Cosplay Plans

12:29

Mail Time: New Merchandise Unboxing

22:21

Daredevil Trivia and Fun Facts

25:11

Daredevil Trivia Challenge

26:44

Exploring Daredevil's Origins

30:38

Daredevil's Allies and Enemies

32:52

Comic Book Bracket Showdown

36:54

Final Selections and Surprises

41:41

This or That: Daredevil Edition

49:37

Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

#TalkingComics #Daredevil #ComicBooks #MarvelComics #ComicPodcast #WeeklyPulls #ComicHaul #IndieComics #KickstarterComics #GeekCulture

This week on Talking Comics, we sit down with Marvel & DC & Ignition Press writer Stephanie Williams to talk about:

Breaking into comics professionally

Running a successful Kickstarter

Writing for Marvel and DC

Creator-owned vs mainstream comics

REAL advice for aspiring comic creators

Plus—we share our journey of funding and printing our FIRST comic!

If you’re an indie creator, comic fan, or looking to break into the industry—this episode is for you.

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

Co-Host: Annakhan

📰 Full episode blog on Substack 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

👉 Back the Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641500179/the-chronicles-of-panel-pete

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

Hit like, subscribe, and check out all things Panel Pete below!

https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

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...

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

👇 What’s YOUR dream comic project?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:32 Journey into Comics and Writing

04:37 Kickstarter Experience and Advice

10:40 Creative Process and Inspirations

16:49 Writing for Major Publishers

22:37 Upcoming Projects and Conventions

28:55 Exciting New Projects: Street Sharks Annual

31:23 The Creative Process: From Script to Art

33:50 Collaboration in Comics: The Writer-Artist Dynamic

34:52 Fun and Games: This or That with Creators

42:49 Comic Book Favorites: Characters and Universes

48:20 Life as a Comic: Personal Reflections and Insights

#IndieComics #ComicCreators #KickstarterComics #MarvelComics #DCComics #ComicWriting #SelfPublishing #GeekCulture #TalkingComics #ComicCommunity #IgnitionPress

Episode 100 is here! 🎉

In this special milestone episode of Talkin' Comics, we celebrate ONE YEAR of the show, reflect on our journey, and dive into everything we love about comics.

We cover:

Our first convention experience 🎪

Kickstarter officially FUNDED 🚀

Weekly comic pulls & reads 📚

Round of 16 Hero/Villain Bracket 🔥

Fun trivia, games, and classic moments

Plus, we look back at how far the show has come and what’s next!

👉 Support the Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641500179/the-chronicles-of-panel-pete

👉 Join our Substack for behind-the-scenes updates

https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

👉 Follow us for more comic content every week

https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Thanks for being part of the journey—here’s to 100 more!

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...

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

🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

Chapters

00:00

Celebrating Episode 100: A Year in Review

01:43

Comic Picks and Weekly Reads

09:10

Convention Experience: Nerdfest Highlights

16:40

Cosplay Contest and Community Engagement

19:17

Upcoming conventions and the Kickstarter

22:25

Evolution of Thumbnails and Comic Announcements

26:12

Memorable Episodes and Guest Appearances

31:27

Question Time: Fun and Games

43:32

Round of Sixteen: Superhero Showdown

#TalkinComics #ComicBooks #ComicPodcast #IndieComics #KickstarterComics #ComicCon #Marvel #DCComics #GeekCulture #YouTubeComics

In this episode of Talking Comics, AJ sits down with indie comic creator Nathan Rouse, the mind behind Jupiter Man and the expanding Adelverse.

Nathan shares his journey from playing college football to creating his own comic universe, the lessons he learned from selling a character too early, and the challenges of launching a Kickstarter.

We dive into:

Writing your first comic book

Working with artists

Avoiding scams in indie comics

Kickstarter strategies that actually work, Back Jupiterman: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/idolverzebiz/the-legacy-of-jupiterman-ep1and2

Building your own universe from scratch

If you're a comic creator, writer, or fan of indie storytelling—this episode is for you.

Follow Nathan: https://dot.cards/mrunchainedunlimited

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and support indie creators!

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

📰 Full episode blog on Substack 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

👉 Our Kickstarter is live and funded! Now lets unlock some stretch goals! 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...

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

Chapters

00:00 Kickstarter Launch and Comic Creation

02:58 Background and Love for Comics

07:02 The Inspiration Behind Writing Comics

11:04 Challenges in Comic Creation and Collaboration

15:06 Feedback and Improvement in Comic Writing

19:40 The Art of Collaboration in Storytelling

22:04 Transforming Ideas into Visual Narratives

24:49 The Journey of Comic Creation

28:58 Kickstarter Experiences and Lessons Learned

32:57 Branding and Marketing Strategies for Creators

38:13 Creating Comics with a Purpose

41:07 The Journey of Creation and Community

44:38 Finding Belonging in the Comic Community

47:40 The Power of Storytelling and Self-Discovery

52:54 Building a Universe: The Writer's Perspective

#IndieComics #ComicBooks #KickstarterComics #WritingComics #SelfPublishing #TalkingComics #ComicCreators #JupiterMan #IndieCreators #ComicPodcast

Welcome to Talking Comics Episode 98! We’re just ONE week away from Episode 100 and celebrating one full year of podcasting 🎉

In this episode:

Our journey to 100 episodes

Kickstarter update (almost funded!)

Preparing for our FIRST convention booth

Weekly comic pulls & favorites

This Week in Comic History

Special guest segment with Braxton Cosby Check out his new book Yasuke at cosbymediaproductions.com Amazon and Barns & Noble!

Comic character bracket madness

We also talk about creating comics, selling at conventions, and what it takes to grow in the comic space.

👉 Support the Kickstarter: [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641500179/the-chronicles-of-panel-pete]

👉 Follow for more comic content, podcasts, and creator insights! https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Host: A.J. Reimann

Co-Host: Annakhan

📰 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 early 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...

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

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Episode Milestones

05:20

Upcoming Projects and Special Events

09:15

Comic Book Highlights and Weekly Polls

18:44

Comic History and Trivia

35:07

Question Time and Sponsorship Ideas

41:55

This or That: Superhero Matchups

#ComicPodcast #IndieComics #ComicBooks #KickstarterComics #GeekCulture #NerdLife #Marvel #DCComics #PodcastLife #ComicCreators

What happens when a legendary blade tells its own story?

This week on Talking Comics, AJ sits down with Doug Marcaida, known for his role on the History Channel’s Forged in Fire, to talk about his new comic book Lineage.

Doug shares how decades of martial arts, Filipino blade culture, and storytelling inspired a unique comic where the blade itself narrates history as it passes through generations.

We dive into:

The inspiration behind Lineage

Martial arts influences in storytelling

Creating authentic fight choreography for comics

Launching the comic through Kickstarter

Why community and legacy are central to the project

Doug also talks about his journey from U.S. Air Force veteran to TV personality to comic creator, and why he believes everyone has a story worth passing down.

If you love comics, martial arts, storytelling, or behind-the-scenes creator stories, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Follow Doug Marcaida on Insta and YouTube @DougMarcaida

Last day to support the kickstarter live but late pledges will be available!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kidheroes/doug-marcaidas-lineage-2-4-comic?ref=profile_created&category_id=250

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 is live for The Chronicles of Panel Pete!! 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...

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Content Overview

00:10 Doug Mercati’s Background in Martial Arts and Military

01:13 The Concept of Lineage in His Comic Series

03:03 Cultural Significance of Blades in History and Culture

04:56 Personal Journey and Leaving a Legacy

06:19 Designing Functional Blades and Cultural Symbols

07:59 Crowdfunding and Community Involvement

09:51 Future Plans and New Issues

12:05 Advice for Aspiring Creators

14:01 The Creative Process and Collaboration

17:04 Storytelling Through Art and Easter Eggs

21:03 The Poetic and Symbolic Elements of the Comic

25:58 Cultural and Martial Arts Influences in the Art

31:47 The Power of Community and Passing Down Stories

#TalkingComics

#DougMarcaida

#ForgedInFire

#LineageComic

#ComicBooks

#IndieComics

#ComicCreators

#KickstarterComics

#MartialArts

#ComicPodcast