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:

We thank everyone for watching and supporting!

Thank you to Amped Comics for partnering with us and offering you 10% off your order using code TCP10 https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

👉 Free preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://subscribepage.io/talkincomics

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

👉 Subscribe to Talking Comics for more creator interviews, comics talk, and behind-the-scenes updates. https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

⏱ 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

Welcome back to Talking Comics Podcast Episode 47!

AJ and Annakhan are back with a magical new episode packed with laughs, blind bag surprises, DC trivia battles, and all things comics.

📦 They unbox DC K.O. blind bags, reveal some wild variant covers, and test their comic knowledge with a showdown of DC heroes and villains.

💌 Plus—it’s Mail Time! featuring VeeFriends surprises, comic talk, and a sneak peek at AJ’s upcoming indie comic The Chronicles of Panel Pete!

🦸‍♂️ This Week’s Comic Pulls:

Culdasack #3

Power Fantasy #12

Amazing Spider-Man #1

TMNT #2

Absolute Batman #13

Binary (by Stephanie Phillips)

Harley Quinn & Elvira #1

Hot in the City

🎮 Also Discussed: Fortnite, Among Us, Marvel Zombies, Baldur’s Gate 3, and upcoming Halloween trivia fun!

✨ Support the Show:

✨ Special Mentions/Sponsors:

We thank everyone for watching and supporting!

Thank you to Amped Comics for partnering with us and offering you 10% off your order using code TCP10 https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

👉 Free preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://subscribepage.io/talkincomics

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

👉 Subscribe to Talking Comics for more creator interviews, comics talk, and behind-the-scenes updates. https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

⏱️ Chapter Markers

00:00 – Intro: Episode 47 & Cake Talk

02:30 – Weekly Comic Pulls

08:40 – Annakhan’s Haul: Harley Quinn & Elvira #1

15:30 – AJ’s Reads & Yearly Comic Count

20:10 – Upcoming Reads & Comic Plans

24:00 – Mail Time Unboxing!

30:10 – DC K.O. Blind Bag Reveal

39:00 – DC Trivia Showdown

45:30 – This or That: DC Edition

52:00 – Halloween Chat & Favorite Candy

55:00 – Wrap-Up, Links, and Sign-Off

#TalkingComicsPodcast #ComicPodcast #DCKO #BlindBagUnboxing #HarleyQuinn #Elvira #Batman #StephaniePhillips #ComicCollectors #IndieComics #PanelPete #ChroniclesOfPanelPete #ComicTrivia #MailTime #MarvelZombies #PodcastLife #ComicTalk #ComicPulls

Step inside the creative world of Do Not Disturb with writer Jarod Hunter Rowe, co-creator of this noir-inspired detective mystery published by Invader Comics. Host AJ Reimann talks with Jarod about his start in Hollywood, writing partnerships, creative collaboration, and bringing a ghostly hotel to life on the comic page.

Jarod shares how Do Not Disturb came together—from screenplay roots to a full indie comic release—and the lessons he’s learned about patience, teamwork, and trusting the process.

💬 Topics include:

Transitioning from film to comics

Writing partnerships and creative chemistry

The art of collaboration between writer, artist, and colorist

Advice for new comic creators

A look at Invader Comics and Blue Fox Comics

🔗 Follow Jarod: Instagram @jarodhroe

🎧 Subscribe for more creator conversations and deep dives into the world of indie comics on Talking Comics!

✨ Special Mentions/Sponsors:

We thank everyone for watching and supporting!

Thank you to Amped Comics for partnering with us and offering you 10% off your order using code TCP10 https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

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

👉 Subscribe to Talking Comics for more creator interviews, comics talk, and behind-the-scenes updates. https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

⏱️ Chapter Markers

00:00 – Intro / Welcome to Talking Comics AFTER Dark

01:00 – Meet Jarod Hunter Rowe

03:00 – From Hollywood to Comics

05:00 – Creating Do Not Disturb

07:00 – Submitting to Invader Comics

09:00 – Writing Partnerships & Collaboration

13:00 – The Story Behind Do Not Disturb

16:00 – Building the World and Tone

19:00 – Comic Creation Tips & Lessons

22:00 – The Power of Color and Art Direction

26:00 – Conventions & Fan Interaction

30:00 – AJ’s Comic Journey & Panel Pete

38:00 – Kickstarter Talk & Indie Comic Plans

42:00 – Favorite Comics & Influences

44:00 – Fun Rapid-Fire Questions

48:00 – What’s Next for Jarod Rowe

50:00 – Where to Find Jarod Online

52:00 – Closing Thoughts & Subscribe

#TalkingComics #ComicPodcast #DoNotDisturb #InvaderComics #IndieComics #ComicBookWriters #ComicCreators #JarodRowe #ComicInterview #ComicsCommunity #GraphicNovel #ComicArt #CreativeProcess #ComicWriting #BlueFoxComics #ComicBookPodcast #NoirComics #HauntedHotel #Storytelling #TalkingComicsAfterDark

On this episode of Talking Comics, AJ Reimann and Annika chat with comic writer T.S. Luther (Invader Comics, Professional Entropy) about his journey from automotive copywriter to indie creator.

We dig into The Digger, his new pulp-thriller mini-series pitched as “What if Indiana Jones hunted Short Round?” — plus how family, failure, and persistence shape every creator’s XP bar.

They discuss balancing parenthood with comics, how to find your creative team, the reality of comic pricing, Kickstarter tips, and why kids reading graphic novels matters.

🎧 Subscribe for weekly creator interviews, comic talk, and behind-the-panels stories.

👉 Follow T.S. Luther: [tiktok.com/@tsluthercomics]

👉 🎙 Follow Talking Comics

✨ Special Mentions/Sponsors:

We thank everyone for watching and supporting!

Thank you to Amped Comics for partnering with us and offering you 10% off your order using code TCP10 https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

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

👉 Subscribe to Talking Comics for more creator interviews, comics talk, and behind-the-scenes updates. https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Podcasting Challenges

03:01 The Importance of Support and Encouragement

12:49 The Journey to Becoming a Comic Writer

17:53 The Importance of Learning Multiple Skills

24:06 Navigating Rejection in the Comic Industry

29:47 Networking and Building Relationships at Conventions

35:52 The Digger: A New Comic Book Project

43:02 Crowdfunding and Community Support

50:54 Engaging Young Readers

01:01:14 The Writing Process and Creative Rituals

01:08:28 The Importance of Detail in Writing

01:17:26 Inspiration and Emotional Connection in Writing

01:28:35 Embracing Self-Acceptance

01:35:58 The Journey of Persistence in Comics

01:40:54 Networking and Community in the Comic Industry

01:51:22 Comic Book Beginnings and Favorites

01:57:23 Living in a Comic Book Universe

02:03:08 The Comic Book Industry and Writing Process

#TalkingComics #TSLuther #ComicBookPodcast #IndieComics #TheDigger #InvaderComics #ProfessionalEntropy #ComicWriters #MakingComics #KickstarterComics #ComicCommunity #ComicCreators #PodcastInterview #AJReimann #PanelPete #ComicBookTalk #IndieComicCreator #ComicBookFans #ComicBookInspiration #ComicBookJourney

Welcome back to Talking Comics Podcast Episode 44! 🎙️

This week AJ & Annakah dive into their weekly comic pulls, spooky season reads, and all things Marvel, DC, and beyond. From Batman Day comics and Spider-Gwen by Stephanie Phillips to Godzilla vs Marvel and the Absolute Universe — there’s a lot to unpack.

PLUS: We’re joined by special guest Jamie for an epic round of X-Men Trivia and some hilarious “This or That” battles. Who wins? Who cheats? You’ll have to watch to find out.

👕 Check out our spooky season shirts & hoodies in the shop (link in bio)

📖 Don’t miss the Chronicles of Panel Pete Kickstarter — notify on launch!

🕹️ Games played: Fortnite, Among Us, Ticket to Ride, Catan & more

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more comics, games, movies & geek culture fun every week!

✨ Special Mentions/Sponsors:

We thank everyone for watching and supporting!

Thank you to Amped Comics for partnering with us and offering you 10% off your order using code TCP10 https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

👉 Watch Episode 40 for the big Panel Pete comic announcement: https://youtu.be/507N-XSmRiM?si=2R6Nw0-dzLDraMdk

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

👉 Subscribe to Talking Comics for more creator interviews, comics talk, and behind-the-scenes updates. https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

⏱️ Chapter Markers

00:00 – Intro & Episode 44 Milestone

02:00 – Weekly Comic Pulls (Batman Day, Spider-Gwen, Absolute Universe, Godzilla vs FF4)

09:30 – Spooky Season Shirts & Merch Drop

12:00 – Panel Pete Updates & Kickstarter Tease

15:00 – Games Played (Fortnite, Among Us, Catan, Ticket to Ride)

20:00 – Marvel Zombies Talk & Thor Discussion

25:00 – Guest Jamie Joins the Show

27:00 – X-Men Trivia Challenge (Stan Lee, Wolverine, Rogue, Magneto & more)

40:00 – X-Men This or That (Cyclops vs Wolverine, Storm vs Jean Grey, Deadpool vs Cable)

48:00 – Spooky Season Fun & Closing Thoughts

50:00 – Outro + Subscribe + Merch & Kickstarter Reminder

#talkingcomics #ComicPodcast #XMenTrivia #MarvelComics #DCComics #BatmanDay #SpiderGwen #Thor #Deadpool #HarleyQuinn #Godzilla #SpookySeason #PanelPete #ComicTalk

Welcome to Talking Comics! 🎙️ In this episode, AJ Reimann sits down with Josh Nealis of Cutthroat Comics & Publishing. We dive into his 10 years in indie comics, publishing for other creators, surviving the challenges of marketing, and his upcoming Kickstarter for Cocaine Stripper Stronghold #2.

Josh shares stories about working with legendary artists, his writing rituals, surviving setbacks, and what it really takes to thrive in the comic industry. If you’ve ever thought about creating your own comic, launching a Kickstarter, or navigating conventions, this episode is full of insights and laughs.

👉 Support Josh’s latest project: [https://www.cutthroatcomics.com/]

🎙 Follow Talking Comics

✨ Special Mentions/Sponsors:

We thank everyone for watching and supporting!

Thank you to Amped Comics for partnering with us and offering you 10% off your order using code TCP10 https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

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

👉 Subscribe to Talking Comics for more creator interviews, comics talk, and behind-the-scenes updates. https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

✅ Subscribe for more interviews with comic creators and pop culture voices!

🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss an episode!

📍 Chapter Markers:

00:00 – Intro & Welcome

00:25 – Meet Josh Nealis of Cutthroat Comics

01:01 – Publishing indie comics & working with creators

02:09 – Printing costs & publishing challenges

03:18 – Marketing struggles & TikTok growth

06:00 – Writing process & backlog of ideas

07:21 – Collaborating with artists (Marvel, DC, Image)

08:34 – AJ’s comic project announcement

10:13 – Editing comics & storytelling tips

11:48 – Challenges in reaching audiences

12:49 – Kickstarter talk & online marketing

14:26 – Writing rituals & daily habits

16:01 – Balancing novels & comics

18:08 – How Josh started writing

19:35 – What readers should feel from his stories

21:24 – Dream collaborations (Kevin Eastman & more)

23:45 – Advice for aspiring creators

26:16 – Physical vs. digital comics debate

27:47 – Upcoming Kickstarter: Cocaine Stripper Stronghold

29:48 – Fun & rapid fire questions (favorite hero, series, powers, universes)

39:17 – If life were a comic… Mr. Bounceback

41:02 – AJ’s upcoming comic with Mike Alger

43:10 – How COVID shut down conventions & recovery

47:01 – Comic Con strategies & advice

49:28 – Marketing podcasts & comics at cons

50:02 – Closing & where to find Josh

#TalkingComics #IndieComics #ComicPodcast #CutthroatComics #KickstarterComics #ComicCreators #ComicBooks #PodcastInterview #MakingComics #TalkingComics #PanelPete #ComicsCommunity #ComicBooks #ComicPodcast #NewComicBookDay #ComicHaul #DollarBinDive #ComicsTrivia #IGComics #AJReimann #Comictok #YoutubeComics #IndiComics

In this episode of Talkin' Comics, AJ sits down with Jeff Haas — teacher, publicist, comic book creator, and host of the popular podcast Traverse the Stars — to talk about everything from indie comics and Kickstarter campaigns to growing a podcast audience.

We dig into:

How Jeff got started helping creators get interviews & publicity

The secrets to a successful Kickstarter campaign

The economics of paying comic artists fairly

Lessons learned from conventions & the importance of self-promotion

Jeff’s podcasting tips for hitting 1,000+ subscribers

And yes… we even talk aliens 👽

Whether you’re a comic creator, podcaster, or just love behind-the-scenes conversations with industry pros, this episode is packed with value and some laughs along the way.

📢 Follow Jeff Haas:

🔗 Traverse the Stars Podcast – @traversingthestars

🎙 Follow Talking Comics

✨ Special Mentions/Sponsors:

We thank everyone for watching and supporting!

Thank you to Amped Comics for partnering with us and offering you 10% off your order using code TCP10 https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

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

👉 Subscribe to Talking Comics for more creator interviews, comics talk, and behind-the-scenes updates. https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

✅ Subscribe for more interviews with comic creators and pop culture voices!

🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss an episode!

⏱️ CHAPTER MARKERS

00:00 – Intro & Welcome

00:50 – How Jeff Haas Got Started in Publicity

03:15 – Building Vector Publicity & Helping Creators

05:14 – Defining Success for Kickstarter Campaigns

06:13 – Turning Down Clients & Staying True to Your Values

07:31 – Pricing & Keeping PR Affordable

09:32 – Beyond Kickstarter: Other Projects Jeff Supports

10:10 – Lessons Learned Promoting Indie Films

13:24 – Jeff’s Comic Series: The End of All Terminus

14:42 – What’s “Fair Pay” for Comic Artists?

18:03 – AJ on Writing His Own Comic & Learning the Process

22:18 – Finding the Right Artist & Avoiding Scams

24:05 – Traverse the Stars Podcast – 4 Years & Growing

25:43 – Editing Challenges & Why Silence Matters

30:24 – Jeff’s Inspiration for Podcasting & Writing

34:39 – YouTube Growth Tips: Consistency & Shameless Promotion

39:26 – Comic Conventions, Tables & Press Passes

41:25 – What Jeff Wants Listeners to Know (Publicist Work & Podcast)

42:21 – Aliens: Do They Exist?

43:44 – Favorite Superhero: Green Lantern

47:22 – First Comics Jeff Read

48:29 – Which Comic Universe Would You Live In?

50:07 – Dream Superpower & Ideal Sidekick

52:02 – If Life Were a Comic Book: The Title

53:14 – Closing Thoughts & Future Collabs

#TalkingComicsAfterDark #JeffHaas #TraverseTheStars #ComicBooks #KickstarterComics #PodcastGrowth #IndieComics #ComicBookCommunity #GreenLantern #ComicBookPodcast #PRTips #ComicBookCreators #KickstarterTips

This week AJ and Annakah dive into their weekly comic pulls, share reactions to Marvel Zombies #1 (spoilers ahead!), and spotlight Thor, Harley Quinn, Emma Frost, Spider-Man, Vampirella, and more.

We’re also joined by Conversation with Bats from TikTok for a deep-dive on Batman White Knight, favorite Bat moments, and a fun round of Batman trivia & This or That. 🦇

Follow Conversation with Bats: https://www.tiktok.com/@comicsconnversationbats

✨ Don’t miss:

Chronicles of Panel Pete Kickstarter update

Our special Panel Pete’s Pick of the Week (Twilight Zone!)

A hilarious game of Arkham vs Blackgate

Comic shop memories & collecting stories

✨ Special Mentions/Sponsors:

We thank everyone for watching and supporting!

Thank you to Amped Comics for partnering with us and offering you 10% off your order using code TCP10 https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

👉 Watch Episode 40 for the big Panel Pete comic announcement: https://youtu.be/507N-XSmRiM?si=2R6Nw0-dzLDraMdk

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

👉 Subscribe to Talking Comics for more creator interviews, comics talk, and behind-the-scenes updates. https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

📚 Comics mentioned in this episode:

Harley Quinn #47 & #50

Emma Frost #3 & #4

Spider-Man & Wolverine #5

Mighty Thor (including #200 & #229)

Marvel Zombies #1

Vampirella Halloween Horror #1

Absolute Wonder Woman #12

Masters of the Universe #1 (alt cover)

Quick Stops Vol. 3 #2

Twilight Zone #1

If you love comics, Batman, and geek culture, hit like 👍, subscribe 🔔, and share with fellow fans!

Chapters:

0:00 – Intro & Studio Upgrades 🎧

1:30 – Shoutout: Amped Comics & Panel Pete Kickstarter 📚

3:15 – Weekly Comic Pulls (Annika’s Picks) 💥

6:00 – AJ’s Comic Haul: Thor, Harley, What If, Vampirella ⚡

12:30 – Panel Pete’s Pick of the Week: Twilight Zone 👀

15:00 – Convention Story: Clerks Autograph & VFriends Unboxing 🎁

18:30 – What We Read This Week (Batman: White Knight, TMNT, Injustice, FNAF Graphic Novels) 🐢🦇

23:00 – Special Guest: Conversation with Bats (from TikTok) 🇬🇧

24:30 – Talking Batman White Knight & Favorite Covers 🖤

29:00 – Comic Art & Storytelling Discussion ✍️

32:00 – Batman Sidekicks & “If Life Were a Comic” Question 🦸

36:00 – Arkham Asylum Trivia Game 🏥

39:30 – Batman This or That Game (Annika’s Points Madness) 🎲

46:00 – Animated Batman vs Live Action 🖥️🎬

50:00 – Mr. Freeze vs Poison Ivy ❄️🌿

52:00 – Gotham at Night vs Gotham by Day 🌃☀️

53:15 – Final Thoughts & Wrap Up ✨

#TalkingComics #ComicBookPodcast #MarvelZombies #BatmanTrivia #WeeklyPulls #HarleyQuinn #Thor #EmmaFrost #Vampirella #TwilightZone #ComicCommunity #ComicBooks #BatmanFans #DCComics #MarvelComics #IndieComics #KickstarterComics #PanelPete