In this episode of Talking Comics, AJ Reimann sits down with indie writer and artist C.L. Zeno (creator of Drunk Mom, Evandra’s Theory, and Phantasmagoria). They dive into collaboration, mental health, the power of storytelling, and the growing indie comics community. CL shares how Drunk Mom came to life, his engagement story at Galaxy’s Edge, and how comics connect creators and fans.

🔗 Follow C.L. Zeno:

Instagram @clzeno

linktr.ee/clzeno

✨ Special Mentions/Sponsors:

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👉 Hit the Kickstarter “Remind Me” button to follow the project launch (coming early 2026). https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

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⏱ Chapter Markers

00:00 – Intro: Welcome back to Talking Comics

00:25 – Meet CL Zeno & his journey into comics

03:30 – The power of collaboration in indie comics

07:00 – Writing vs drawing and balancing creative roles

10:00 – From Comic Cons to community building

14:25 – CL’s magical engagement at Galaxy’s Edge

18:00 – Phantasmagoria & mental health in storytelling

22:00 – Creating Evandra’s Theory & Drunk Mom

28:00 – Male mental health themes in comics

34:00 – Advice for new comic creators & collaboration tips

43:00 – Community and local comic shops in Virginia

48:00 – Phantasmagoria Kickstarter details

54:00 – CL’s favorite heroes and first comics

1:02:30 – Fun rapid-fire questions & final thoughts

1:08:00