The United States Department of Nerds Podcast

Bobby Campbell returns to the USDN Podcast to discuss Tales of the Illuminatus #3: Opus Chao and the journey of bringing the legacy of Robert Shea and Robert Anton Wilson's Illuminatus into comics.

Bobby joins The Chairman to look back at how the series has evolved from Issue #1 to Issue #3, how his creative process has changed, and the challenge of honoring the original Illuminatus material while finding his own voice within its world.

The conversation also dives into the realities of independent comics and crowdfunding. Bobby discusses why building a growing readership matters more to him than simply raising more money, how comic production has changed during his years in the industry, mistakes new creators make when starting out, and why creators preparing for Kickstarter should get as much of their book finished as possible before launching.

We also explore Opus Chao, what makes Issue #3 different, where Tales of the Illuminatus goes next, and what Bobby hopes readers ultimately take away from the series.

Support Tales of the Illuminatus #3: Opus Chao and Late Pledge on Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bobbycampbell/tales-of-illuminatus-3-opus-chao

Explore Tales of the Illuminatus:
https://talesofilluminatus.com/

Follow Bobby Campbell:

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The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.

How do you turn the stories in your head into an original fantasy universe and then convince people to care about it?

Jesse Wolfe joins the USDN Podcast to discuss The Legend of Kyyden #2, his journey from writing novellas to creating independent comics, and everything he's learned while building a creator-owned fantasy series from the ground up.

What began as stories Jesse simply needed to get out of his head has grown into an ambitious creator-owned fantasy world with a long-term story still waiting to unfold. With The Legend of Kyyden #2 launching on Kickstarter October 12, Jesse takes us behind the pages of Kyyden and the realities of turning an idea into a comic, finding an audience for it, and continuing to build when you're responsible for far more than simply writing the story.

Topics Covered

The journey from writing novellas to creating comics
The origins and philosophy behind The Legend of Kyyden
Building an original fantasy universe
Introducing readers to Kyyden through Dimitri
Learning from constructive criticism
Protecting your creative vision as an indie creator
Building an audience and community around independent comics
Returning to Kickstarter for Issue #2
Creating different editions for different audiences
Planning a long-form creator-owned comic series
The realities of learning every part of independent comic production
Jesse's influences and the future of The Legend of Kyyden

Support The Legend of Kyyden #2

🚀 Kickstarter - Launching October 12:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ubwriter/legend-of-kyyden-1-2-a-robust-fantasy-action-comic-series?ref=72140z

🌐 Follow Jesse Wolfe:
https://linktr.ee/jwstorytelling

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If you enjoy conversations with independent comic creators, Kickstarter spotlights, worldbuilding, and behind-the-scenes looks at creator-owned comics, subscribe and follow the USDN Podcast wherever you listen.

The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.

Ancient relics. Supernatural power. A thirteen-issue epic years in the making.

In this episode of The USDN Podcast, The Chairman sits down with W. Frank Walk, creator of Hellstones, to discuss Hellstones #1: Into the Fray and the journey of building a long-form creator-owned comic series through Pigmacast Studio.

From developing the mythology behind Hellstones to balancing the responsibilities of writer, creator, and colorist, Frank shares what it takes to produce an independent comic while building a world designed to tell a complete thirteen-issue story.

The conversation also explores crowdfunding, earning long-term backer trust, comic book production, and the realities of independent publishing.

Topics Covered

• The creation of Hellstones
• Expanding the world established in Hellstones #0
• Writing, creating, and coloring an independent comic
• Behind the scenes of comic book production
• Building a planned thirteen-issue story
• Crowdfunding and building backer trust
• Independent publishing and creator-owned comics
• The future of Pigmacast Studio

Learn More

🚀 Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pigmacast/hellstones-into-the-fray-a-supernatural-action-comic

🌐 Pigmacast Studio:
https://pigmacast.com

Follow USDN

🌐 https://linktr.ee/usdn_podcast

Business Inquiries: 📧 [email protected]

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The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.

#Hellstones #WFrankWalk #PigmacastStudio #KickstarterComics #IndieComics #CreatorOwned #ComicBooks #ComicCreators #Crowdfunding #USDNPodcast

Joe Kazmer and Jarrod Burris join The USDN Podcast to discuss Collision Force #2, an action-packed creator-owned comic that's been described as an "R-Rated G.I. Joe."

From building an original comic universe to crowdfunding and cinematic storytelling, Joe and Jarrod share the story behind the series, how their creative partnership began, the transition from screenwriting to comics, lessons learned through Kickstarter, and why action comics still have an important place in today's independent comic industry.

In This Episode

•  The origins of Collision Force 
•  Building an "R-Rated G.I. Joe" for indie comics 
•  Creator-owned worldbuilding 
•  Screenwriting vs. comic writing 
•  Writing action for comics 
•  Crowdfunding lessons 
•  Why action comics still matter 
•  The future of Collision Force 

Learn More

🚀 Kickstarter
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rowdybroncocreative/collision-force-2

🌐 Official Website
https://collisionforce.net

Connect with the USDN Podcast

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Business / Media Inquiries: 📧 [email protected]

If you enjoy conversations with independent comic creators, creator-owned comics, Kickstarter campaigns, worldbuilding, and behind-the-scenes looks at making comics, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode with a fellow comic fan.

The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.

Frederick Littles joins The USDN Podcast to discuss Wise Acre Comics, Dark Sentinel: Origins #2, Magnus Jakuta, independent comic publishing, crowdfunding, comic production, and the realities of building a creator-owned publishing company.

As the founder of Wise Acre Comics, Frederick has spent years developing original comic book properties while building a publishing company dedicated to producing creator-owned stories with long-term vision and lasting impact.

From flagship titles like Dark Sentinel and Magnus Jakuta to expanding into action figures and collectibles, Wise Acre Comics is focused on creating an interconnected universe of original characters that extends beyond the comic book page.

But building comics is only part of the story.

During this conversation, Frederick shares the realities of independent publishing, managing creative teams, coordinating production schedules, running successful crowdfunding campaigns, earning the trust of backers, and balancing the creative and business sides of the comic book industry.

Frederick also reflects on his military service, finding a second mission through comics, and the passion that continues to drive Wise Acre Comics forward.

During this conversation, The Chairman and Frederick discuss his journey into comics, the founding of Wise Acre Comics, the origins of Dark Sentinel and Magnus Jakuta, creator-owned publishing, comic production, crowdfunding, expanding into collectibles, building original intellectual property, leadership, perseverance, and the future of Wise Acre Comics.

TOPICS COVERED

• Frederick Littles' journey into comics
• The founding of Wise Acre Comics
• Building a creator-owned comic publishing company
• The origins of Dark Sentinel
• Magnus Jakuta and expanding original IPs
• Independent comic production and publishing
• Managing creative teams and production schedules
• Crowdfunding strategies and lessons learned
• Building trust with Kickstarter backers
• Expanding into action figures and collectibles
• Leadership, perseverance, and long-term vision
• Military service and finding a second mission
• Building sustainable creator-owned intellectual property
• The future of Wise Acre Comics

SUPPORT FREDERICK LITTLES & WISE ACRE COMICS

Website:
https://www.wiseacrecomics.com/

Campaigns:
https://www.wiseacrecomics.com/pages/kickstarter-zoop

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/wiseacrecomics

PROTECT YOUR COLLECTION WITH BCW SUPPLIES

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Follow The USDN Podcast for more conversations with independent comic creators, writers, artists, publishers, and storytellers exploring indie comics, crowdfunding, creator-owned publishing, comic production, worldbuilding, and the realities of the independent comic book industry.

The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.

JaVon O. Stokes joins The USDN Podcast to discuss STRONG #1, Kimora Sampson, superhero worldbuilding, representation in independent comics, building Visually Stoked Media, and the realities of independent comic book publishing.

STRONG #1 continues the story of Kimora Sampson, a former Olympic athlete whose life changed forever after a tragic car accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. When an ancient cosmic force known as the Essence empowers her, Kimora gains the ability to transform into a 6'3", 200-pound superhero of unbelievable strength—but only for short periods of time.

Following the best-selling STRONG #0, JaVon begins the ongoing adventures of one of independent comics’ most compelling new superheroes.

As Kimora reveals the true depth of her power, kindness, and heart, political figures begin moving against her. Meanwhile, mysterious forces known as Magnus and Chivalry emerge with plans of their own.

But STRONG is about more than superpowers.

Inspired by the powerful women of color in JaVon’s life, the series explores internal strength, identity, resilience, family, ambition, and what happens when everything you thought defined you is suddenly taken away.

During this conversation, The Chairman and JaVon discuss his journey into comics, the creation of STRONG, the inspiration behind Kimora Sampson, the mythology of the Essence, building an ongoing superhero universe, creating meaningful threats for an incredibly powerful character, representation in comics, reaching new readers, independent publishing, and the future of Visually Stoked Media.

SUPPORT JAVON O. STOKES & VISUALLY STOKED MEDIA

Website:
https://www.visuallystoked.com

X:
https://twitter.com/Visually_Stoked

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/visuallystokedmedia/

PROTECT YOUR COLLECTION WITH BCW SUPPLIES

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Affiliate Disclosure:

USDN may earn a small commission if you use our affiliate link or code. This helps support the show at no extra cost to you.

FOLLOW THE USDN PODCAST

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CONTACT THE USDN PODCAST

[email protected]

Follow The USDN Podcast for more conversations with independent comic creators, writers, artists, publishers, and storytellers exploring indie comics, crowdfunding, comic book creation, worldbuilding, publishing, and the realities of the independent comic book industry.

The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.

Building an Indie Fantasy Universe One Comic at a Time | Frank Goodie

Every fantasy world begins with a single idea.

This week on The USDN Podcast – Where Indie Comics Come to Life, The Chairman sits down with Frank Goodie, founder of AshVeil Comics and creator of Thelbe Jack: Seeds of Ruin.

Together they discuss:

• Building an original fantasy universe
• Creating compelling characters and lore
• Turning ideas into published comics
• Lessons learned from Kickstarter
• Balancing comic creation with a full-time career
• Long-term planning for an interconnected comic universe
• Advice for aspiring indie comic creators

Whether you're a fantasy fan, comic creator, or someone dreaming of publishing your own stories, this episode offers an inside look at what it takes to build a world from the ground up.

Follow Frank Goodie

🌐 https://ashveilcomics.com

📚 GlobalComix

https://globalcomix.com

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The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.

Shawn McBee and Maciej “MJ” Jankowski join The Chairman on the USDN Podcast to discuss Westron #2, their supernatural horror detective comic inspired by the creatures, legends, and folklore of Slavic mythology.

After the first issue reached its Kickstarter goal in just six hours, Shawn and MJ return to expand the dark supernatural world of Westron.

In this conversation, they share how a chance connection through Discord led to their creative partnership and the creation of the series, why Slavic mythology offers an untapped world of terrifying creatures and stories, and how they balance authentic folklore with building an original comic universe.

The conversation also explores the realities of independent publishing and creator-owned comics, lessons learned from crowdfunding, the Kickstarter mistake they won’t make again, the challenges of funding future issues, planning a long-term story with a definitive ending, and what lies ahead for Westron.

Support Westron #2 on Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/propsmith/westron-2

Learn more about Westron:
https://westroncomic.com

Connect with the USDN Podcast:
https://linktr.ee/USDN_Podcast

Business & Media Inquiries: [email protected]

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The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come To Life

What happens when Sherlock Holmes survives Reichenbach Falls and enters a world where vampires, supernatural forces, and gothic horror are real?

Casus Belli joins The United States Department of Nerds Podcast to discuss Holmes: Undead #2, the latest chapter in Killer Entertainment’s six-part A Study in Crimson story arc.

In this conversation, Casus takes us behind the scenes of Holmes: Undead and explains how the series reimagines one of literature’s greatest detectives while remaining rooted in the legacy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

We discuss why Sherlock Holmes remains relevant nearly 140 years later, the decision to transform Professor Moriarty into an immortal vampire, the challenge of balancing detective fiction with supernatural horror, and revisiting the legendary confrontation at Reichenbach Falls.

Casus also shares his journey from martial arts and professional wrestling into independent comics, the origins of Killer Entertainment, working with writer Thomas Pugh and artist Virgilio Calcagno, and the realities of creating and crowdfunding indie comics.

The conversation explores the Holmes: Undead #2 Kickstarter campaign, variant covers including the Deerstalker and Andy Duggan Infinity Flux variants, what’s coming in Issue #3, the upcoming Gothic Market convention in Minneapolis, and future Killer Entertainment projects The Gingerbread Man and The Death Planner.

Support Holmes: Undead #2 on Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/casusbelli/holmes-undead-issue-2

Visit Killer Entertainment:
https://www.killerentertainmentllc.com/

Follow Killer Entertainment and Holmes: Undead:

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@casusbelli123

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https://www.facebook.com/groups/1483075489302282/

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For interview requests and business inquiries: [email protected]

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The USDN Podcast - Where indie comics come to life.

Ben Lacy returns to the USDN Podcast to discuss SAMSON #1-3: Samson Versus The New Reich!, the latest Kickstarter campaign from Biting Comics.

Inspired by real historical events, SAMSON blends alternate history, superhero action, and wartime drama into a unique creator-owned comic universe. During this conversation, Ben shares the real-world history behind the series, the evolution of the Biting Comics universe, his approach to writing complex heroes, and the lessons he's learned from years of crowdfunding independent comics.

We also discuss Kickstarter strategy, finishing books before launch, connecting multiple comic series into one shared universe, and what lies ahead for both SAMSON and Biting Comics.

Whether you're an indie comic fan, aspiring creator, or Kickstarter enthusiast, this episode offers an inside look at the passion, planning, and perseverance behind creator-owned comics.

📚 Support the Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bitingcomics/samson-1-3-samson-versus-the-new-reich

🌐 Biting Comics
https://bitingcomics.com

📘 Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/sharkofwar

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https://www.instagram.com/benlacy1/

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The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.