Ari Gross joins Two Geeks Talking to discuss Upkeep, a dark comedy comic about first-time home buyers in Toronto who turn to murder to protect their lavish lifestyle. This satire horror series skewers modern home ownership, raising a family, and the absurd hunt for daycare. Life isn't easy in Toronto. The line between satire and horror, and why this comic hits way too close to home. Expect rapid-fire questions, behind-the-scenes chaos, and at least one joke about hiding real estate agents in basements.

Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction Clip and Opening 01:24 - Who is Ari Gross and What does He do? 04:08 - What is the most real detail in the comic that hits too close to home? 06:52 - And here I thought Taxes were bad in Toronto 08:20 - What's the line between 'I'd do anything for a House' to 'Nope, I'm out' 10:51 - What is the Timeline and How many Comics in the Upkeep Series? 13:23 - What is the Darkest moment in Upkeep #2? 15:33 - Who is the Team around the Upkeep comic series? 18:16 - The Art of Garrison Manor from third character to horror icon 19:40 - The Art of Lettering from Sound Effects to Scares 22:19 - Colour Theory in Comics: Shifting from Cozy to Terrifying 25:40 - How to Make Likeable Characters, Despite the body count. 28:01 - What Would Garrison Manor's Yelp Review Be? 29:34 - Popular Haunted Toronto Spots to Visit 31:19 - Do you not feel like you have found "Place"? 34:40 - Sell Your Comic in 10 Seconds! 35:28 - What's a Horror Movie that made you laugh, when you shouldn't have? 37:30 - Finish the sentence: ‘The housing market is worse than…[Blank] 39:41 - Making a Choice between Raising a Family and Owning a Home? 40:46 - If Garrison Manor offered you one wish (with consequences) Would you take it? 41:03 - Closing Remarks 41:25 - Kickstarter Campaign for Upkeep

SUPPORT THE KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN HERE: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/arigross/upkeep-issues-1-2/

DeWayne Dority started his comic journey writing horror comics and his own Wake Comics Universe. When COVID hit he decided to switch gears and write a Dr. Seuss inspired children's comic book called: Shape Master; for his autistic son.

With Liar his newest comic with a Kickstarter already on the go, he creates comics between horror and children's books whether its on his YouTube Channel or in interviews like this one.

Featuring: Amy Letts (*Creator of Epic Fail & Organizer of Caption UK)

Ever abandoned a creative project—only to resurrect it years later?

Amy Letts, the sharp-witted mind behind cult webcomic Epic Fail, just pulled off a double revival:

1. Her own work (Epic Fail returns after 14 years—why now?)

2. An entire indie comics festival (Caption UK, Oxford’s legendary small-press gathering)

In this episode, we dig into:

• The "long game" of creative work—Why stepping away isn’t quitting (and how to know when to come back).

• Organizing a DIY festival—Budget hacks, volunteer wrangling, and why small press still matters in a digital age.

• The "Epic Fail" philosophy—How embracing messiness leads to better art (and fewer meltdowns).

• The real cost of hiatus—Audience drift, platform changes, and rebuilding momentum.

Whether you’ve got a half-finished project in your closet or dream of rallying a community, Amy’s story is a masterclass in creative resilience.