Talkin' Comics Podcast

In this special LIVE episode of Talking Comics, we celebrate a huge milestone — The Chronicles of Panel Pete is officially printed and the Kickstarter is LIVE!

We talk about our trip to the printer, what it was like seeing the comic come off the press for the first time, and everything included in the Kickstarter campaign.

You’ll also hear about the comic creation process, Kickstarter rewards, collectible sticker packs, stretch goals, and more as we hit the launch button live!

We are also joined by the artist Mike Alger and Cover Artist Colin Hawkins! They join in on a really fun game of This or That, you will not want to miss!

If you love indie comics, comic creation, and behind-the-scenes storytelling, this episode is for you.

📚 Support the Kickstarter

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

🎙 Talking Comics is a family-friendly podcast about comics, movies, games, shows, and creator conversations.

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/

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 Live Launch Preparation

01:03 Traverse City Trip and Comic Printing Experience

04:03 Weekly Comic Polls and New Acquisitions

06:44 Kickstarter Launch and Project Details

09:49 Discussion on Comic Covers and Rewards

12:44 Comic History and Notable Events

15:56 Engagement with Viewers and Backers

18:38 Wrap-Up and Future Plans

37:00 The Dynamic Duo: Collaboration in Creativity

37:51 Creative Processes: Drawing vs. Writing

39:57 Solo vs. Team: The Creative Dilemma

42:58 Traditional vs. Digital: The Art Debate

46:12 The Importance of Originality in Art

48:46 One-Shot vs. Long-Running Series: Storytelling Choices

50:53 Glossy vs. Matte: The Aesthetic of Pages

53:38 Unlocking the Mystery of Stretch Goals

56:36 The Fun of Comic Creation and Collaboration

59:43 The Experience of Printing and Signing Comics

01:03:57 Building Community Through Comic Conventions

01:09:14 Creative Freedom in Comic Art and Storytelling

01:15:05 Reflections on the Kickstarter Journey

#IndieComics

#ComicKickstarter

#MakingComics

#ComicPodcast

#KickstarterComics

#SelfPublishing

#ComicCreators

#TalkingComics

This week on Talking Comics we sit down with comic creator and publisher Keith Foster from Invader Comics!

Keith shares his journey from discovering comics in the 80s to writing multiple series and helping run Invader Comics. We dive into the origins of his newest comic Space Minotaur, the wild story behind how the idea came from misreading a comic title in a dollar bin, and what it takes to publish indie comics today.

We also talk about:

• The creation of Space Minotaur Add to your pull list here, https://leagueofcomicgeeks.com/comics/series/205320/space-minotaur

• Invader Comics and publishing creator-owned books www.invadecomics.com

• Advice for new comic writers and artists

• The process of learning to draw and write comics

• Why comics are an underrated gateway into reading

If you love indie comics, comic creation, and hearing behind-the-scenes stories from creators, this episode is for you!

📚 Don’t forget to support indie comics and check out Space Minotaur when it releases!

Chapters

00:00 The Evolution of Podcasting and Content Creation

02:15 The Birth of Invader Comics

11:56 The Art of Graphic Design and Interpretation

18:36 Finding the Right Artist and Collaboration

26:21 Introducing Space Minotaur: A Unique Concept

33:21 Advice for Aspiring Creators: Narrowing the Gap

40:53 The Journey of Improvement in Golf

48:43 Insights on Comic Book Publishing

56:56 Personal Favorites and Comic Book Nostalgia

01:02:50 Life Reflections and Comic Book Titles

#Comics

#IndieComics

#ComicCreators

#InvaderComics

#SpaceMinotaur

#ComicPodcast

#ComicBookInterview

#MakingComics

#ComicBooks

#TalkingComics

In this episode of Talking Comics, we take you behind the scenes of one of the most exciting moments of our comic journey — printing our first run of Billy’s Bad Day: The Chronicles of Panel Pete.

After months of work, we traveled to Allegra Printing in Traverse City, Michigan to experiment with paper types, test cover prints, and run the final books through the stapling and trimming machines ourselves.

From picking interior paper to stacking freshly printed comics off the machine, this was the moment our indie comic truly became real.

We also reveal the different covers, talk about the production process, and share the story behind bringing Panel Pete from idea to finished comic book.

Kickstarter launches soon — and we finally have copies in our hands!

👉 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

If you love comics, indie creators, and seeing how books are actually made, this episode is for you.

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

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 Setting the Scene

02:43 The Printing Process: From Concept to Creation

06:19 Finalizing the Comic: Quality and Sentimentality

08:47 Reflections on the Journey and Experience

11:59 Fun Character Discussions and Comic Insights

#ComicBooks

#IndieComics

#MakingComics

#ComicPrinting

#PanelPete

#TalkingComics

#ComicCreators

#KickstarterComics

#BehindTheScenes

#ComicCommunity

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...

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

⏱ 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

#TalkingComics #IndieComics #AlexSteffen #EveryonesCarl #ComicCreators #KickstarterComics #GraphicNovel #ComicBookPodcast #SupportIndieCreators #ComicArt

Talking Comics is HERE! Annakhan debuts teal (not blue!) hair, we recap Oak City Comic Con, talk weekly comic pulls like Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Spawn, and Disney Villains, and share HUGE news — we’re heading to the print shop to produce physical copies of Chronicles of Panel Pete.

We also dive into Disney trivia, convention stories, upcoming Kickstarter plans, and what it feels like to finally hold your own comic book in your hands.

🎙 Family-friendly comic talk

📚 Weekly pulls & reviews

🚗 Print shop road trip

Subscribe and join the comic hangout!

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 Personal Updates

02:32 Comic Book Launch Excitement

07:15 Weekly Comic Pulls and Reviews

14:30 Conventions and Networking

16:24 Comic History and Fun Facts

19:59 Mail Time and Community Engagement

22:21 Anticipation of Meeting TS

23:20 Question Time Begins

24:02 Disney Comic Trivia Challenge

29:16 This or That Game

35:01 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

#TalkingComics

#IndieComics

#ComicPodcast

#ChroniclesOfPanelP

#ComicCreators

#HarleyQuinn

#ComicCon

#KickstarterComics

#ComicCollectors

#FamilyFriendly

This week on Talking Comics we sit down with indie comic creator Laurie Calcaterra, writer of the hit post-apocalyptic western series Path of the Pale Rider! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pathofthepalerider/path-of-the-pale-rider-issues-1-8

Laurie shares her journey from martial arts fight choreography to writing comics, how she adapted a full movie script into a comic series, and what it takes to successfully run multiple Kickstarter campaigns.

We dive into:

✔️ The terrifying world where death is broken

✔️ Turning film scripts into comic storytelling

✔️ Marketing indie comics in today’s landscape

✔️ Convention networking & podcast promotion

✔️ Kickstarter campaign strategies

✔️ Trades, omnibuses & future plans

If you love indie comics, horror westerns, or want to learn how to grow your own comic audience — this episode is for you!

Host: A.J. Reimann

👉 Guest: Follow Laurie: @lauriecalcaterra

📰 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 Welcome to the Podcast

00:09 Laurie's Journey into Comics

07:00 Future of Path of the Pale Rider

13:05 Conventions and Marketing Strategies

19:54 Building Community and Reader Interaction

29:06 The Unique World of Path of the Pale Rider

39:10 Advice for Successful Kickstarter Campaigns

49:11 Confronting Imposter Syndrome

56:05 Creative Processes and Writing Techniques

01:01:49 Community Support in Indie Comics

01:07:38 Stretch Goals and Audience Engagement

01:13:39 Kickstarter Success and Stretch Goals

01:18:09 Exclusive Merchandise and Customization

01:25:49 Hot Sauce and Culinary Ventures

01:35:43 The Superhero Concept and Personal Connections

01:41:09 The Indie Comic Community and Support

01:46:42 Traveling to Conventions and Challenges

01:47:57 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

01:54:18 TPC NEW 52 (2).png

01:54:23 v3 Panel Pete Trailer v2.mp4

01:55:31 riverside_aqu_ad (video) _ jul 11, 2025 001_aquaudio.mp4

#IndieComics

#ComicBooks

#Kickstarter

#PathOfThePaleRider

#ComicCreators

#SelfPublishing

#GraphicNovel

#ComicWriting

#IndieCreator

#TalkingComics

This week on Talking Comics Episode 90 we talk weekly comic pulls, reading updates including Sailor Moon, upcoming convention plans, and HUGE news as The Chronicles of Panel Pete prepares to go to print!

We also dive into This Week in Comic History including Image Comics dominating the 90s with Spawn, the creation of The Amazing Spider-Man following Amazing Fantasy #15, and how The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller changed Batman forever at DC Comics.

Plus:

Weekly Pull List

What We Read

What We Watched (including The Muppet Show)

DC Trivia Game

Kickstarter & Printing Updates

Watching the Daytona 500

Don’t forget to check out our Substack, Kickstarter, and upcoming convention schedule!

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 Overview

01:46 Comic Con Plans and Updates

04:18 Comic Creation and Kickstarter Insights

08:56 Weekly Comic Pulls and Reviews

19:42 Comic History

25:09 Trivia and Fun Questions

37:02 Wrap-Up and Future Plans

#TalkingComics #ComicPodcast #IndieComics #PanelPete

#ComicBooks #DCComics #WeeklyPulls

#ComicCreators #KickstarterComics

#NerdCulture #GeekPodcast

Ray Jamison shares his journey as a comic book fan and creator, discussing the impact of Dungeons and Dragons on storytelling. He reflects on the evolution of comic book adaptations, the importance of collaboration in the creative process, and the significance of clear communication in comic writing. Ray also shares insights into his Kickstarter plans, publishing experiences, and offers valuable advice for aspiring comic creators. In this engaging conversation, Ray Jamison and AJ Reimann delve into various themes surrounding creativity, storytelling, and the indie comic community. They discuss the importance of completing a first draft before seeking feedback, the value of constructive criticism, and the positive trends emerging within the indie community. The conversation also touches on personal experiences with comic books, favorite characters, and the impact of nostalgia on creativity. Additionally, they explore the idea of living in comic book universes and the superpowers they would choose, culminating in a light-hearted discussion about the essence of life as a comic book.

Host: A.J. Reimann

Guest: DM Ray Jamison @raymondthedm

Follow his Kickstarter here:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/philboentertainment/madcaps-issue-3

📰 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 Ray Jamison: A Comic Book Enthusiast

02:26 The Evolution of Comic Book Adaptations

05:36 The Journey into Comic Writing

08:36 Creating a Comic from Dungeons and Dragons

11:33 Finding the Right Artists

14:36 The Art of Comic Storytelling

17:37 The Excitement of Comic Creation

20:42 The Kickstarter Experience

23:22 The Future of Ray's Comic Series

44:00 Pop Culture References and Inspirations

46:32 Creative Process and Script Writing Tips

51:45 The Value of Constructive Criticism

56:40 Indie Community Trends and Personal Projects

01:01:07 Comic Book Favorites and Nostalgia

01:09:16 Comic Book Universes and Superpowers

01:16:15 Life as a Comic Book: Personal Reflections

#IndieComics #ComicBookPodcast #KickstarterComics #DnD #FantasyComics #ComicCreators #SelfPublishing #TalkingComics #TabletopRPG #IndieCreators

The Digger has finally arrived! 🎉 This week on Talkin' Comics Episode 88, AJ and Annakhan break down their weekly comic pulls including The Digger, Deadly Tales of the Gunslinger, She-Hulk, and more.

We recap meeting Stephanie Williams, talk Gotham City Sirens trivia, discuss X-Men’s record-breaking sales, and spotlight Jeff Haas’ Kickstarter campaign for Malek: Reigning Devil #3.

PLUS: Gotham City Sirens This-or-That, comic shop adventures, and Chronicles of Panel Pete updates!

👇 Support Indie Comics

Malek 3 Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theendofallterminus/malek-reigning-devil-3

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 Weekly Updates

02:31 Comic Book Pulls and Reviews

05:57 Meeting Creators and Comic Events

07:52 Comic History and Milestones

14:03 Guest Segment with Jeff Haas

18:22 Future Plans

19:43 Building Community Through Support

21:27 Reviving the Game Store Experience

26:07 Kickstarter Insights and Comic Bundles

28:50 Valentine's Day Special and Gift Giving

30:17 Trivia Time: Gotham City Sirens

45:34 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

#TalkingComics

#IndieComics

#TheDigger

#GothamCitySirens

#HarleyQuinn

#KickstarterComics

#ComicBookPodcast

#Malek3

#PanelPete

#ComicCommunity

In this episode of Talking Comics, AJ Reimann sits down with Kyle Goodman from the @planetnerdtooine podcast to talk all things indie comics, storytelling, podcasting, and creative control.

Kyle shares his journey from longtime comic fan to podcaster to indie comic creator, breaking down why independent comics often deliver stronger storytelling than big publishers, the realities of funding and printing your own books, and what it’s really like selling comics at conventions like MegaCon and NYCC.

We also dive into:

The rise of indie comics

Why creative control matters

Podcasting as a tool for creators

The highs and lows of Kickstarter

Turning ideas into published comics

Whether you’re a comic fan, indie creator, podcaster, or just love behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is packed with insight and honesty.

Host: A.J. Reimann

Guest: Kyle Goodman. Check out his podcast and his Indie Book youtube.com/@planetnerdtooine?si=mBinPoxt9Zh2X2Omhttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/herewalksmonsters/here-walks-monsters-1

🎧 Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms

📰 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 The Journey of Independent Creation

02:13 The Indie Comic Landscape

05:09 Navigating the Publishing World

08:04 The Art of Storytelling

11:00 Creating a Comic Within a Comic

14:11 The Challenges of Independent Publishing

19:43 Navigating the Printing Process

23:06 The Excitement of Comic Conventions

26:12 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Creative Work

29:01 Collaboration and Creative Freedom

34:13 Empowering New Artists and Community Support

40:14 The Challenge of All-Ages Content

45:15 Artistic Integrity in Storytelling

48:57 The Journey of Creation

54:14 Transforming Ideas into Comics

57:36 Exploring Humanity in Apocalyptic Settings

01:04:43 Celebrating Accomplishments and Community

01:12:28 The Impact of Blind Bags on Collectibles

01:15:03 The Quality of Comic Writing and Community Reactions

01:18:53 Supporting Female Creators in Comics

01:20:01 The Evolution of Podcasting and Collaboration

01:24:00 Critiquing Comics: Quality vs. Enjoyment

01:29:03 The Business of Comics and Community Concerns

01:33:02 The Punk Rock Spirit of Indie Comics

01:33:56 Personal Connections and Community Growth

01:39:32 The First Comic Book Experience

01:41:58 Living in a Comic Book Universe

01:44:54 Life as a Comic Book Title

01:46:56 Creative Journeys and Personal Growth

01:50:09 The Importance of Community and Support

01:55:30 The Value of Passion Projects

#TalkingComics #IndieComics #ComicPodcast #KyleGoodman #Nerdtween #CreatorOwned #ComicCreators #PodcastLife #ComicCommunity #KickstarterComics #IndieCreators