The United States Department of Nerds Podcast

Writing Imperfect Superhumans: The Story Behind Zip | USDN Interview with Mike Scrase

Hello Council Members! I’m The Chairman of The United States Department of Nerds (USDN), and today we’re diving into the world of ZIP — the British comic about flawed superhumans that doubles as a smart commentary on disability.

Joining me is Mike Scrase (Writer), the creator of Zip, published by Markosia Enterprises. With stunning art by San Espina and lettering by Ferran Delgado, Zip has already delivered three powerful issues — and now Issue #4 is heading to Kickstarter!

In this episode, we’ll explore:

The origins of Zip and Mike’s journey into comics
How disability became central to the story of imperfect superhumans
The challenges and care taken when writing about disability responsibly
What’s in store for Issue #4 (funerals, time travel, and huge twists!)
The Kickstarter campaign, rewards, and why indie publishing matters

If you’ve ever wanted to know how to write superhumans with depth, care, and realism — this is the episode for you.

🔗 Kickstarter for Zip #4 (Launching Sept 16th): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mikescrase/zip4?ref=discovery&term=zip&total_hits=5145&category_id=250

🌐 Follow The Creator & Project:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zipcomicuk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zipcomicuk

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more creator interviews and indie comic spotlights!

#ZipComic #IndieComics #KickstarterComics #USDNPodcast #Superheroes #DisabilityRepresentation

📺 When Good Looks Kill: The Origin of Greg | Duke Electric Interview | United States Department of Nerds (USDN)

Hello There, it's The Chairman of the United States Department of Nerds (USDN)—where we are for the people, by the people, and of the people!

In this episode, we’re joined by the multi-talented Duke Electric—creator, writer, and artist behind the outrageous new independent comic series GREG Issue #0: The Delivery Room (now live on Kickstarter)!

GREG tells the story of a man so good looking… that if you see his face, your head will literally explode. In this in-depth interview, Duke shares the wild origins of GREG, his journey from animation and live music to comics, and why he chose Kickstarter to bring this explosive debut to life.

🧠 What You’ll Hear in This Episode

Duke’s creative journey through Warner Bros., Netflix, PBS, Nickelodeon, and DreamWorks

How his experience in animation and music shaped his comic-making process

The origin story of GREG and the tone, style, and inspirations behind it

A peek at the rewards, perks, and stretch goals in the GREG Kickstarter campaign

Duke’s long-term vision for the GREG series

📢 Support Independent Comics!
Back GREG Issue #0: The Delivery Room on Kickstarter and help bring this over-the-top, hilarious, and action-packed story to life.

Kickstarter:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gregcomicofficial/greg-issue-0-the-delivery-room-massacre?ref=discovery&term=greg&total_hits=1252&category_id=250

🎨 Follow Duke Electric on social media for updates, art drops, and appearances during the campaign.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregcomicofficial/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/dukeelectric.bsky.social

📲 Follow USDN for More Creator Interviews & Comic Book Content

YouTube: Subscribe to USDN

💥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with the minds behind the most creative indie comics on the planet.

#USDN #DukeElectric #GregComic #IndieComics #KickstarterComics #ComicBookInterview #SupportIndieComics #USDNPodcast #CreatorInterview #ComicBookCommunity

Hello there, it’s The Chairman of the United States Department of Nerds (USDN)—where we are for the people, by the people, and of the people!

In this episode, I sit down with Bruno Catarino to talk about his brand-new comic book project, Crimson Bay—a dark, action-packed series inspired by 1990s fighting games and brought to life through Kickstarter.

We dive into:

🔥 The origins of Crimson Bay
🔥 The unique characters and stories within the series
🔥 Bruno’s creative process and inspirations
🔥 What backers can expect from the Kickstarter campaign
🔥 The future vision of Crimson Bay beyond crowdfunding

Whether you’re a comic book fan, an indie comics supporter, or a backer who loves discovering fresh, creator-driven stories, this interview gives you everything you need to know about Crimson Bay and why it deserves a spot on your pull list.

👉 Don’t forget to check out Bruno Catarino’s Kickstarter for Crimson Bay and support indie comics!

📌 Follow USDN for more creator interviews, comic book spotlights, and weekly recommendations.

Support the Kickstarter:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/redwulfcomics/crimson-bay-1-martial-arts-comic-inspired-by-90s-vgs?ref=discovery&term=bruno%20catarino&total_hits=8&category_id=250

 #USDN #CrimsonBay #BrunoCatarino #ComicBookInterview #IndieComics #KickstarterComics #ComicBookCommunity #ComicBookFans #NewComics #ComicCreators 

What happens when superheroes aren’t perfect? In this deep-dive interview, The Chairman of the United States Department of Nerds sits down with Mike Scrase, writer of Zip—a British indie comic published by Markosia Enterprises that redefines what it means to be superhuman.

Together, we explore:

🔹 The Creator Origin Story – Mike’s comic book beginnings and how Zip was born
🔹 The Story Behind Zip – Themes of identity, disability, and realism in a superhero world
🔹 Writing Disability, Responsibly – Avoiding tropes, doing the research, and listening to readers
🔹 Publishing & Kickstarter – Why the team is going the crowdfunding route for Issue #4
🔹 Creative Process – Collaboration with San Espina (Art) and Ferran Delgado (Lettering)
🔹 Lightning Round – British comic favorites, casting dreams, and Mike’s writing playlist
🔹 Call to Action – Where to get Zip and how to support the upcoming Kickstarter

This is more than a comic—it’s a conversation about representation, creative independence, and crafting stories that matter.

📚 Issues 1–3 of Zip are available now on Amazon and DriveThruComics
🚀 Kickstarter for Issue #4 is coming soon—links below to stay updated!

🧠 Issue 1 Creative Credits:

• Writer: Mike Scrase
• Art: San Espina
• Lettering: Ferran Delgado

🔗 Stay Connected:

📌 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mikescrase/zip4?ref=discovery&term=zip&total_hits=5117&category_id=250
📌 https://www.instagram.com/zipcomicuk/

 #ZipComic #MikeScrase #Markosia #IndieComics #BritishComics #ComicBookInterview #DisabilityInComics #RepresentationMatters #SuperheroStories #KickstarterComics #ComicBookWriters #USDNShorts #ComicsThatMatter 

🎨 Inside the Mind of Vitalerium’s Artist: Francisco Hnilo Interview | Comic Book Art, Webtoons & More

In this exclusive USDN interview, we sit down with Francisco Hnilo—the talented artist behind Vitalerium—to dive deep into his creative origins, process, inspirations, and what's next for this visually stunning comic series.

From storyboards to posters and Webtoons, Francisco shares how he broke into the world of comic book illustration and why Vitalerium stood out to him as a project worth diving into. We explore everything from character design and artistic influences to his preferred tools and techniques.

Whether you're an artist, comic fan, or someone looking for behind-the-scenes insight into a futuristic, mythic, and visually rich indie title—this one's for you.

🔗 Follow Francisco Hnilo:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fah_draws/

📢 Subscribe for more interviews, reviews, and comic book deep dives!

#Vitalerium #FranciscoHnilo #ComicBookArtist #USDNShorts #ComicInterview #IndieComics #WebtoonArtist #VisualStorytelling #MakingComics #BehindTheScenes #ComicArtProcess #ComicBookCommunity #DigitalArt #StoryboardArtist #SciFiComics #MythicSciFi #ComicBookDesign #USDN

VeVe x Star Wars: What’s Next for Digital Collectibles? | Interview with Dan Crothers

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Dan Crothers, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of VeVe, to explore what's coming to the platform—especially for Star Wars fans! From AR-enhanced Stormtrooper helmets to Mandalorian dioramas, this is your insider look into the galaxy of digital collectibles.

💫 What’s Coming to VeVe?

• Star Wars™ Trooper Helmets – Featuring the Cross Section Stormtrooper Helmet, with a stunning look inside Imperial armor via Augmented Reality (AR).
• The Mandalorian Collectibles & Diorama – Celebrate Din Djarin, Grogu, and Mandalorian warriors in this epic scene-based drop.
• Podracers in AR – High-speed podracing action from The Phantom Menace brought to life.
• The Mandalorian #1 Digital Comic – Exclusive covers + framed digital collectible component just for VeVe users.
• And more surprise drops all month long!

🧠 Behind the Scenes with VeVe
 
We talk design, rarity, licensing, fan engagement, and the future of interactive digital collecting. Get answers to:

• How VeVe works with Lucasfilm & Disney
• How AR and the metaverse shape future releases
• What collectors can expect from next year's May the 4th
• And what makes the Stormtrooper Helmet series so iconic

🌐 What Is VeVe?

Founded in 2018, VeVe is the #1 platform for premium licensed digital collectibles with partners like Marvel, DC, Star Wars, Disney, Lamborghini, James Bond, and more. Over 8 million NFTs sold, carbon neutral, and one of the top grossing Entertainment Apps on iOS & Android.

🛠️ VeVe Features:

• Collect, trade, and display in AR
• Explore virtual showrooms
• Limited-edition NFTs with true collector value
• Powered by Ethereum Layer 2 (Immutable X)

📱 Download the VeVe app (iOS & Android) and become a part of the global collecting community.

🔥 Don’t miss this deep dive into VeVe’s Star Wars lineup and the future of digital collecting. Hit that Like, Subscribe, and tap the 🔔 to stay in the loop on the latest VeVe drops and interviews!

#VeVe #StarWarsNFTs #DigitalCollectibles #NFTCommunity #Stormtrooper #Mandalorian #MayThe4th #Podracers #VeVeVerse #AugmentedReality #StarWars

Vitalerium Unveiled: World-Building, Adaptation, and the Journey from Page to Panel | Podcast Interview

Join us for an in-depth conversation exploring the making of Vitalerium: Descent Into the Void, a sci-fi epic that bridges the gap between prose and sequential storytelling. In this episode, we dive into the origins of the Vitalerium universe, the transition from novel to comic book, and the creative challenges and victories that shaped its evolution.

Whether you're a fan of sci-fi world-building, indie comics, or creative storytelling, this interview offers a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration, adaptation, and artistic collaboration that brought Vitalerium to life.

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What inspired Vitalerium: Descent Into the Void
• How personal, political, and philosophical themes shape the story
• The process of adapting a novel into a comic
• Creative collaboration with artists and visual storytelling
• Future plans for the Vitalerium universe — and what’s coming next
• Reflections on storytelling, genre, and reader impact

🎨 Topics Covered:

• Sci-Fi World-Building & Real-World Parallels
• From Novel to Comic: Narrative & Visual Adaptation
• Writing vs. Collaboration: What Changes in the Comic Medium
• The Future of the Series: Ongoing Plans & Spin-Offs
• Audience Reflections and Creative Insights

📢 Who Should Watch:
Writers, indie comic creators, sci-fi lovers, and anyone curious about storytelling across formats.

👇 Follow & Support the Creator:

Website: https://vitaleriumseries.com/
Amazon: https://a.co/d/hoqTawe

Audible:  https://www.audible.com/pd/Vitalerium-Descent-into-the-Void-Audiobook/B0DKL8YR1R?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

IG:  https://www.instagram.com/vitaleriumseries/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vitaleriumseries
X: https://x.com/vitalerium
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553020843285
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VitaleriumVentures
Patreon: https://patreon.com/InsideVitalerium?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode of the United States Department of Nerds (USDN), we sit down with indie comic creator Ben Lacy to dive into his latest Kickstarter project — Samson #2. This isn’t your typical superhero tale. Samson is a gritty blend of revenge, war, and horror set in an alternate-history world that challenges the boundaries of comic storytelling.

🎙️ Ben shares the inspiration behind the story, the unique themes he's exploring, and what fans can expect from the upcoming issue. We also talk about the creative process, exclusive rewards for Kickstarter backers, and stunning cover art tributes to icons like Jack Kirby, Frank Quitely, and Supergirl.

Whether you're into indie comics, powerful storytelling, or just love hearing how great ideas come to life — this episode is for you.

#Comics #BenLacy #SamsonComic #KickstarterComics #IndieComics #ComicBookPodcast #USDN #Crowdfunding #SuperheroStorytelling

USDN Interview w/ Bobby Campbell – Tales of the Illuminatus

In this exciting episode of the United States Department of Nerds (USDN) podcast, we're diving deep into the world of conspiracy theories, secret societies, and mystical elements with Bobby Campbell, the mastermind behind the Tales of the Illuminatus comic book. Hosted by your Chairman, we explore a world full of intrigue, suspense, and philosophical exploration inspired by the iconic Illuminatus! Trilogy by Robert Shea and Robert Anton Wilson.

Join us as we chat with Bobby about the creation of this exciting new project, which delves into the shadowy realms of hidden knowledge and power. We’ll explore his creative process, what drives his passion for comic books, and how the Tales of the Illuminatus comic blends historical fiction, the occult, and speculative fiction in a gripping new format.

From the inspirations behind the comic to the visuals and story that fans can expect, Bobby takes us through the fascinating journey that is sure to captivate readers. Plus, we get an inside look at the ongoing Kickstarter campaign—what the team hopes to achieve, how you can get involved, and what’s next if the project is a success.

Don’t miss out on this thrilling conversation, and be sure to check out the Kickstarter campaign to support this incredible project!

Follow Us:

• bobbycampbell.net
• https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bobbycampbell/tales-of-illuminatus-2-the-invisible-crown?ref=discovery&term=tales%20of%20the%20illuminatus&total_hits=2&category_id=250

Tune in for an episode full of mystery, creativity, and the spirit of rebellion!

USDN Interview w/ Bruno Catarino | Scinematic Figments Kickstarter Preview

Link to the KickStarter:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/redwulfcomics/scinematic-figments-a-scifi-anthology-with-a-cinematic-feel?ref=nav_search&result=project&term=scinematic%20figments&total_hits=3

Welcome to the United States Department of Nerds (USDN) – where we’re for the people, by the people, and of the people! In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to have Bruno Catarino, a talented comic creator, join us to talk about his exciting upcoming project, Scinematic Figments.

In this interview, we dive into Bruno’s journey with  – Finite (Issue 1) and Parasites / Infinite (Issue 2) – and explore his new comic venture that blends the magic of comics with the art of cinema. Bruno shares insights on the creative process behind Scinematic Figments, the inspiration that fueled it, and what makes this project a must-see for fans of both comics and film.

Key Moments from the Interview:

🖋️ The Vision Behind Scinematic Figments
Bruno discusses the unique blend of cinematic storytelling and comic art, giving us a sneak peek at what makes Scinematic Figments stand out.

🎭 Characters and Storylines
Get an inside look at the characters and gripping stories that will unfold in Scinematic Figments.

🎬 Creative Process
How does Bruno bring these fascinating stories to life, and what kind of creative challenges did he face?

💥 The Kickstarter Campaign
What awesome rewards can backers expect, and how can you get involved in supporting this exciting project?

🔮 Future of Scinematic Figments
What does the future hold for Scinematic Figments once the Kickstarter is funded? Bruno reveals his ultimate goals for the project!

Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button for more exciting interviews, and make sure to check out the Kickstarter campaign to help bring Scinematic Figments to life!

#USDN #BrunoCatarino #ScinematicFigments #Kickstarter #Comics #Film #GraphicNovels #KickstarterProject #ComicCreator #Interviews #USDNInterviews