Talkin' Comics Podcast

What does it take to turn a haunted hotel idea into a hit indie comic? 👻📖In this conversation, AJ Reimann interviews David Flores, an illustrator and co-creator of the comic 'Do Not Disturb'. They discuss David's journey from screenwriting to comic illustration, the creative process behind their projects, and the importance of collaboration in the comic book industry. They also touch on the challenges of publishing, the fear of rejection, and the freedom that comes with completing a creative project. AJ shares his own experiences in comic writing and the motivations behind his work, emphasizing the learning process and the joy of collaboration. In this engaging conversation, David and AJ explore the world of comics, storytelling, and the creative process. They discuss the importance of collaboration within the indie community, share personal anecdotes about their journeys as creators, and offer valuable advice for aspiring artists and writers. The dialogue flows into fun questions about comic book inspirations, favorite superheroes, and the idea of living in a comic book universe. They also touch on future projects and the significance of gratitude in their creative endeavors.We dive into:Writing comics vs screenplaysFinding the right creative collaboratorsPitching to publishers like Invader ComicsHorror storytelling & neo-noir influencesAdvice for first-time comic creatorsWhether you’re an aspiring comic creator or a fan of indie horror comics, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.📸 Connect with David: @sicmonkie in insta📘 Do Not Disturb – Issue One releases January 28📰 Read more on Substack 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly comic interviews, hauls, and creator storieshttps://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_PodcastHost: A.J. ReimannSponsors:• 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 Travers 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/👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk👉 Hit the Kickstarter “Remind Me” button to follow the project launch (coming early 2026). https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641500179/the-chronicles-of-panel-peteHit like, subscribe, and check out all things Panel Pete below!https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_PodcastChapters00:00 From Screenwriting to Comic Creation02:29 Collaborative Writing: The Process Behind 'Do Not Disturb'05:41 Pitching Ideas and Finding a Publisher08:44 The Evolution of Storytelling in Comics11:51 Learning and Growing in the Comic Industry16:07 The Journey of Creation23:06 Collaboration and Community in Comics31:24 Navigating Publishing Options43:17 From Hobby to Professional: The Evolution of a Writer44:22 Navigating Production and Distribution Challenges46:15 The Fear of Rejection in Creative Pursuits48:44 The Importance of Believing in Your Work52:56 Advice for Aspiring Creators59:19 The Journey of a Storyteller01:04:19 Fun Questions and Personal Favorites01:10:00 Superpowers and Culinary Dreams01:13:39 Creating a Pizza Shop in Asgard01:15:44 Comic Book Sidekicks and Pizza Delivery01:17:22 The Journey of Panel Pete01:22:49 Future Comic Book Ideas and Inspirations01:27:42 Giving Back to the Community Through...

Welcome back to Talkin' Comics Episode 79! This week AJ and Annkhan dive into weekly comic pulls, favorite reads, and a deep look at AJ’s Journey Into Mystery / Mighty Thor reading challenge—including epic collections, omnibuses, and classic Asgard tales.We also introduce a new recurring segment, This Week in Comic History, explore comic-inspired board game trivia, and battle it out in a fun This or That: Comic Board Game Edition. Plus, we talk upcoming conventions, Substack exclusives, and what’s coming next for The Chronicles of Panel Pete.Host: A.J. ReimannCo-Host: Annakhan👉 Subscribe for weekly comics, trivia, history, and behind-the-scenes comic creator talk👉 Get a FREE preview & blog version of this episode on Substack https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk👉 Hit the Kickstarter “Remind Me” button to follow the project launch (coming early 2026). https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641500179/the-chronicles-of-panel-peteHit like, subscribe, and check out all things Panel Pete below!https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_PodcastSponsors:• 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 Travers City (Tell them AJ Sent You) https://www.allegramarketingprint.com...Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-EtcChapters00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:48 Comic Conventions and Events04:36 Weekly Comic Polls and New Releases10:13 Reading Journey and Comic Collections16:56 Gaming and VR Experiences20:45 This Week in Comic History23:33 Trivia and Question Time37:06 This or That Game Discussion45:14 Future Plans and Wrap-Up#TalkingComics #ComicPodcast #ComicBoardGames #MarvelComics #DCComics #ComicTrivia #ThorOmnibus #JourneyIntoMystery #ComicHistory #BoardGameTrivia #WeeklyComicPulls #SubstackComics #PanelPete

Making comics is the dream—but can it actually pay the bills?In this episode of Talking Comics, AJ Reimann sits down with Lauren Hazel (aka @knigtsofg) to break down the real business of comics, publishing, conventions, and creative survival. From why comics are called “the ghetto of publishing” to the infamous “chicken sandwich test,” Lauren pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a sustainable career as a creator.We cover:• Why talent alone isn’t enough• The true cost of conventions• Marketing vs sales for creators• Why most creators lose money• How to think like a business, not a hobbyistIf you’re a writer, artist, indie creator, or thinking about comics as a career — this episode is required listening.📸 Follow Lauren on Insta and Tik Toc @knigthsofg👉 Subscribe for more creator interviews & comic industry truth https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk🗨 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-peteSponsors:• 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 Travers City (Tell them AJ Sent You) https://www.allegramarketingprint.com...Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-EtcChapters00:00 Intro03:06 Navigating Corporate Approval Processes07:30 The Impact of COVID on Film and TV Production10:43 Understanding the Comic Book Industry13:30 The Evolution of Comics and Manga16:19 Financial Realities for Creators19:27 Marketing and Conventions for Creators29:08 Creating an Educational Community for Creatives30:12 Understanding the Comic Industry Dynamics31:46 The Financial Realities of Comic Publishing34:05 The Importance of Marketing in Creative Ventures39:19 Navigating Contracts and Rights in Publishing42:21 Understanding Your Audience and Their Needs43:47 Building Relationships Through Marketing49:41 Challenges in the Comic Industry Today52:37 The Reality of Comic Book Stores and Conventions59:09 Leveraging Email for Audience Engagement01:11:39 Finding Your Audience: Strategies and Insights01:26:20 Comic Characters and Personal Favorites01:28:39 Current Comic Series and Recommendations01:30:16 Living in Comic Book Universes01:33:08 Superpowers and Sidekicks01:35:54 Life as a Comic Book01:37:34 Marketing in the Comic Industry#TalkingComics #LaurenHazel #knightsofg #ComicCreators#IndieComics #ComicBookPodcast #CreativeBusiness#MakeComicsNotExcuses #ChickenSandwichTest

It’s Episode 77 of Talking Comics, and we’re kicking off 2026 with comic goals, blind bag chaos, and some serious collector frustrations.We break down:Major blind bag defects (glued comics, spine damage & missing variants)New Year comic resolutions for 2026AJ’s Thor reading challenge (one Thor comic a day!)Weekly comic pulls & favorite readsNew Year comic trivia & This or ThatUpdates on The Chronicles of Panel Pete📖 Get a FREE preview of our comic, The Chronicles of Panel Pete, on Substack https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/🎬 Watch the trailer & full episodes on YouTube https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk🎧 Listen wherever you get podcasts👉 Like, subscribe, and tell us your comic goals for 2026! https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast👉 Hit the Kickstarter “Remind Me” button to follow the project launch (coming early 2026). https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641500179/the-chronicles-of-panel-peteSponsors:• 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 Travers City (Tell them AJ Sent You) https://www.allegramarketingprint.com...Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-EtcChapters00:00 New Year Reflections and Background Changes04:14 Comic Book Pulls and Weekly Reads10:05 Reading Goals and Comic Resolutions14:17 Media Consumption and Gaming Updates15:24 Blind Bag Openings and Quality Issues30:10 New Year's Trivia and Fun Discussions#TalkingComics#ComicPodcast#ComicCollectors#BlindBags#ComicBooks#MarvelComics#DCComics#ThorComics#NewYearComics#IndieComics

🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/Welcome back to Talkin' Comics! This week, AJ sits down with Mr. Fish Comics, an indie comics creator known for his incredible work ethic, creative storytelling, and honest insights into the world of comics.We dive deep into:The indie comic creation processScript changes, collaboration, and letteringComic convention wins, losses, and lessonsPricing comics, selling at cons, and creator burnoutBuilding a sustainable life in comicsWhether you’re a creator, collector, or comic fan, this episode is packed with real-world advice and unforgettable stories.🎙️ Subscribe for weekly comic talk, interviews, trivia, and more!👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hkSponsors:• 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 Travers City (Tell them AJ Sent You) https://www.allegramarketingprint.com...Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc👉 Hit the Kickstarter “Remind Me” button to follow the project launch (coming early 2026). https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641500179/the-chronicles-of-panel-peteHit like, subscribe, and check out all things Panel Pete below!https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_PodcastChapters00:00 Travel Tales and Family Connections01:33 Comic Con Experiences and Recognition04:33 Creative Collaborations and Script Changes05:20 Artistic Process and Storytelling08:18 Overcoming Challenges and Personal Growth11:37 The Business of Comics and Conventions14:30 Advice for Aspiring Creators01:14:01 The Power of Collaboration01:17:27 Creative Storytelling and Puzzles01:21:27 The Lore of Characters01:25:13 The Excitement of Comic Creation01:30:25 The Journey of Printing Comics01:34:22 The Joy of Comic Collecting01:38:41 Favorite Characters and Inspirations01:42:24 The Indie Comic Scene01:46:19 The Art of Cover Design01:50:16 The Challenges of Comic Creation01:54:11 The Future of Comic Projects01:58:12 Final Thoughts and Farewell#TalkingComics#IndieComics#ComicPodcast#MrFishComics#ComicConLife#IndieCreators#MakingComics#ComicBookCommunity