The United States Department of Nerds Podcast

JUNKET: Hidden Worlds Revealed — Building Myth, Meaning & Indie Worlds with Ray Reynet

On this episode of The USDN Podcast, we’re joined by Ray Reynet — independent comic creator, writer, illustrator, animator, and founder of Farlook Studios.

Ray is the creator of JUNKET: Hidden Worlds Revealed, a creator-owned comic series that blends mythology, faith, adventure, and bold cartooning with the spirit of classic comics. Inspired by creators like Jack Kirby and Darwyn Cooke, JUNKET has earned a cult following in Florida comic shops and is now expanding into animation, short films, and other media.

In this conversation, we explore:
 • Building an indie comic from the ground up
 • The realities of self-publishing and creative independence
 • Storytelling across comics, animation, and myth
 • Why creator-owned worlds matter now more than ever

This episode is a deep dive into the mindset, process, and perseverance behind modern independent comics.

🔗 CONNECT WITH RAY REYNET

Instagram (Creator): https://www.instagram.com/rayreynet/
Instagram (Studio): https://www.instagram.com/farlookstudios/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Farlook-studios
Website: https://farlookstudios.com/
Store: https://farlook-store.myspreadshop.com/
JUNKET Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGQWPC1J

The USDN Podcast — Where indie comics come to life. 

🎙️ USDN INTERVIEW: Alim Leggett — Every Panel Counts: Building The Diary of Sweet Pea

Hello there — I’m The Chairman, and this is The United States Department of Nerds, where indie comics come to life.

This week, the council sits down with Alim Leggett, the creator, writer, and art director behind The Diary of Sweet Pea. In a powerful and introspective conversation, Alim unpacks his creative philosophy, the emotional core of his work, and why he believes every panel counts.

We dig into the origins of Sweet Pea, a story about grief, memory, and unintended power, following a young girl whose loss manifests into something far larger than she understands. From art direction and visual language to production management, fatherhood, and creative balance, this episode is a masterclass in intentional storytelling.

With a Kickstarter campaign launching in March, Alim also shares how crowdfunding allows him to protect the heart of the story — not dilute it.

If you’re passionate about indie comics, creator ownership, and stories built with purpose, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

🔗 Follow & Support
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetpeacomic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetpea_comic/
Kickstarter (Pre-Launch): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sweetpeacomic/the-diary-of-sweet-pea-1-3?ref=profile_created&category_id=250&tab=prelaunch-updates

🎙️ The USDN Podcast — Where indie comics come to life.

LAST GEN: The Rise of a New Superhero Generation

In this episode of The United States Department of Nerds, The Chairman is joined by Matt Jasso and Ray MacKay to discuss LAST GEN, a bold new superhero team rising out of The Remnant Universe.

The conversation explores legacy, pressure, and identity as a new generation of heroes steps out of the shadow of icons like Atoman and Atomic Thunderbolt. From the massive 92-page LAST GEN #0 to the team’s first mission in LAST GEN #1: “Pest Problem,” this interview breaks down how character, creativity, and indie spirit power the series.

We also discuss fan participation, visual storytelling, and what the future holds for LAST GEN and The Remnant Universe.

🔗 Links
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/grokcomics/last-gen/description
Tribulation Task Force: https://www.tribulationtaskforce.com/#/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grokcomics
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Cyiworldwide
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raymackaywrites/

🎧 Subscribe for more indie comic interviews, creator spotlights, and deep dives into the worlds shaping the future of comics.

🎙️ The United States Department of Nerds — where indie comics come to life.

#indiecomics #comicinterview #indiecomiccreators #lastgen #theremnantuniverse# #mattjasso #raymackay #superherocomics #indiesuperheroes #comicpodcast #usdnpodcast #comicbookcommunity #creatorinterview #indiecomicspotlight #kickstartercomics #comicbooktalk #comicfans #indiecomicscene #comicbookyoutube 

In this episode of The United States Department of Nerds, The Chairman welcomes Nathan Rouse, aka Mr. Unchainedunlimited, creator of JUPITERMAN and the ambitious shared universe known as The Idolverse.

Nathan joins the Council of Nerds to discuss his journey as a creator, the importance of inclusive representation in comics, and why JUPITERMAN — an Indigenous Native American tribal hero — was the perfect character to launch a universe built on identity, culture, and purpose.

This episode explores the responsibility of storytelling, the power of indie comics, and how creators can build worlds that truly matter.

If you’re passionate about independent comics, diverse heroes, and meaningful storytelling, this episode is for you.

🔗 OFFICIAL LINKS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mr.unchainedunlimited
Instagram (Idolverse): https://www.instagram.com/idolverze/
Instagram (Mr. Unchainedunlimited): https://www.instagram.com/mr.unchainedunlimited/
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@mr.unchainedunlimited
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/idolverze.bsky.social

📌 Subscribe for more indie comic interviews

👍 Like & Share to support independent creators

💬 Comment and join the Council of Nerds

The United States Department of Nerds — where indie comics come to life.

🎙️ From Art to Darkness: Lloyd Cheatham on Brother To The Night

This episode of The United States Department of Nerds features artist and self-publishing creator Lloyd Cheatham, the force behind Cheat Designs and AngryArtist74.

Lloyd joins The Chairman to discuss his creative journey, using art as emotional expression, and the creation of his self-published indie comic Brother To The Night — a story rooted in darkness, purpose, and personal truth. We explore his artistic identity, the challenges of self-publishing, and what it means to build stories that resonate beyond the page.

🦇 Topics Covered:
• Artistic origins and creative identity
• Emotional storytelling through comics
• The world and themes of Brother To The Night
• The realities of self-publishing indie comics
• Advice for creators and supporters alike

Support indie creators.
The USDN Podcast - Where indie comics come to life.

🔗 CONNECT WITH THE CREATOR

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngryArtist74
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheat_designs
TikTok: @cheat_designs

Walking Dead with Superhumans: The World of Flamevolt with Bruno Catarino

In this episode of The United States Department of Nerds, the Chairman welcomes back comic creator Bruno Catarino to talk about his latest project, Flamevolt Issue #1 — a brutal, cinematic indie comic described as The Walking Dead with superhumans.

Bruno dives into the inspiration behind Flamevolt, how his previous projects shaped this new series, and the creative process behind building a world driven by survival, power, and humanity. We explore the themes, visual identity, and why Issue #1 serves as a powerful entry point for new readers.

The conversation also covers the Flamevolt Issue #1 Kickstarter, what backers can expect, and why supporting indie comics at the crowdfunding stage is more important than ever.

If you’re passionate about indie comics, creator-owned storytelling, and discovering the next big voice in comics — this episode is for you.

🎨 Guest: Bruno Catarino
📘 Project: Flamevolt Issue #1

🚀 Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/redwulfcomics/flamevolt-1-walking-dead-with-superhumans?ref=profile_saved_projects_live&category_id=Q2F0ZWdvcnktMjUw

The United States Department of Nerds — where indie comics come to life.

🎙️ USDN Podcast Interview: Michael J. Williams

Writing Balance, Editing Power & Building Indie Comics That Last

On this episode of The USDN Podcast — Where Indie Comics Come to Life, we’re joined by Michael J. Williams, comic writer, editor, screenwriter, and Editor-in-Chief at Inked Studios.

Michael has worked with Advent Comics, Grok Comics, Champion Comics, Alter Ego Arts, Super Serious Comics, Mazzi Productions, and has assisted on 40+ crowdfunding campaigns, contributing to projects connected to Wesley Snipes, Austin St. John, and Justin Gray.

We dive deep into:

• Balancing writing, editing, and marketing as an indie creator
• What makes a Kickstarter campaign succeed
• Building creator-owned worlds like Wild Oni and Iron Jaguar
• Embedding philosophy, mythology, and accountability into comics
• The current state — and future — of indie comics

Michael also shares insights from hosting the Comics’N’Poptarts podcast, mentoring through the Mississippi Gulf Coast Writers Guild, and advice for creators striving for sustainability in a demanding industry.

🚀 Support Michael J. Williams

🔗 Kickstarter
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sweetpeacomic/the-diary-of-sweet-pea-1-3

📸 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/mixchael_f4thght/

📘 Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/mjfloriocomics4life

🎧 Subscribe to The USDN Podcast
New interviews spotlighting indie comic creators, crowdfunding projects, and creator-owned storytelling.

🎙️ The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life

Six Fifteen Comics: Creating Black Heroes, Culture, and Community

On this episode of The USDN Podcast — Where Indie Comics Come to Life, we’re joined by Malcolm McFadden, creator and writer of Six Fifteen Comics, to talk independent comics, creative inspiration, and his latest Kickstarter project The King’s Domain #1–2.

Malcolm is a hip hop artist, writer, and audio engineer from Annapolis, Maryland, whose passion for comics began at a young age and evolved into a creator-owned comic company focused on telling dope, authentic stories centered around Black characters. Drawing inspiration from icons like Batman, Static, and Spider-Man, Malcolm blends real-life experiences with bold comic book storytelling.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The creative origins of Six Fifteen Comics
• The story and meaning behind the name “Six Fifteen”
• How music influences comic book storytelling
• Building an indie comic brand
• A Kickstarter spotlight on The King’s Domain #1–2
• Advice for aspiring comic creators

🚀 Kickstarter

The King’s Domain #1–2
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sixfifteencomics/the-kings-domain-1-2

🔗 Connect with Six Fifteen Comics

Instagram: @sixfifteencomics
Facebook: Sixfifteen Comics
Twitter/X: @615comics
TikTok: @yoanerd

🎙️ The USDN Podcast — Where Indie Comics Come to Life.

🎙️ USDN PODCAST INTERVIEW — MARK BERTON

Into the Heart of the Unknown: Cryptid Horror, Conspiracies & AROUGHCOUNE

Author and former journalist Mark Berton joins the United States Department of Nerds Podcast to discuss Aroughcoune, a chilling cryptid horror novel that blends secret government experimentation, survival horror, Indigenous folklore, and ethical consequences rooted in reality.

Set in the wilderness of Western Pennsylvania, Aroughcoune explores what happens when science pushes too far — and when ancient knowledge collides with modern secrecy.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The real-world inspiration behind Aroughcoune
• Cryptids born from government experiments
• Journalism’s influence on believable horror
• Survival horror in isolated environments
• Folklore as a counterbalance to science
• Ethics, secrecy, and consequences
• What’s next for Mark Berton

This isn’t just horror — it’s horror that feels possible.

🔗 FEATURED LINKS

🌐 Official Websites
https://www.markberton.com
https://www.roswellpublishing.co.uk

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

📸 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/FrogElixir

🧵 Threads
https://www.threads.net/@FrogElixir

🦋 Bluesky
https://bsky.app/profile/markberton.com

🎧 USDN PODCAST
Exploring the strange, the dangerous, and the unknown.

The USDN Podcast — Where Indie Comics Come to Life.

#USDNPodcast,#MarkBerton,#Aroughcoune,#CryptidHorror,#IndieHorror,#HorrorAuthors,#FolkHorror,#CreatureHorror,#ConspiracyFiction,#WeirdHorror,#IndieBooks,#PodcastInterview,#HorrorCommunity,#SupernaturalFiction

🎙️ Indie Comics Spotlight: Evan Quiring Talks Murder City Devil & Lucha Mystery | USDN Podcast

In this episode of the USDN Podcast, The Chairman sits down with Evan Quiring, creator of Murder City Devil and Lucha Mystery, to talk noir horror, masked mythology, and over 20 years of grinding in indie comics.

From Winnipeg, Manitoba to working with publishers like Antarctic Press, Dynamite, Markosia, and Big Bang Comics, Evan shares his journey as a writer/artist, the challenges of freelancing, and what it means to finally see his creator-owned series picked up by Studio Comix Press in 2025.

We cover:

• The creation of Murder City Devil
• The pulp-inspired world of Lucha Mystery
• Visual storytelling, process, and tools
• Survival, discipline, and advice for indie creators

The USDN Podcast — Where Indie Comics Come to Life.
 
🔗 Evan Quiring Links

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@psyclonecomicsstudios
Website: https://www.psyclonecomicsstudios.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psyclone_comics_studios/
Studio Comix Press: https://www.instagram.com/studiocomix/

#IndieComics,#EvanQuiring,#MurderCityDevil,#LuchaMystery,#IndieComicsPodcast,#CreatorOwnedComics,#ComicCreatorInterview,#NoirComics,#HorrorComics,#LuchaLibreComics,#MaskedHeroes,#PulpComics,#StudioComixPress,#FreelanceComicArtist,#WriterArtistComics,#USDNPodcast