Comic Industry Insiders
Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.
Listen on:
Episodes
5 hours ago
5 hours ago
Surprise! We got our B.R.O.S. in your Comics Industry Insiders as the Data B.R.O.S. (Django Bohren, Jeff Figley, and Brian Garside) talk to their friend and fellow retailer Shannon Merrit of 901 Games.
You'll learn about his amazing Memphis store 901 Comics, as well as the other SEVEN businesses he has a hand in. You'll hear how this former Memphis Police Officer decided to turn in his badge and gun and walk a very different beat.
901 Comics - https://901-comics.com/
The Data Bros - https://databrosinc.com/
Comic Shop Assistant - https://comicshopassistant.com/
Manage Comics - https://managecomics.com/
Have something to tell us? Email the show at: info@pranadm.com
Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Find CHRIS ARRANT
https://www.thepopverse.com/
CHAPTERS
02:50 Chris Arrant's Background and Early Influences
06:10 The Evolution of Comics Journalism
09:09 Reading Comics: Perspectives and Biases
12:01 The Eisner Awards Experience
15:05 Freelancing and Early Career in Comics
17:58 The Shift in Comics Journalism
20:48 Navigating Bias in Journalism
23:54 Transitioning to Full-Time Comics Journalism
27:00 The Current State of Comics News Sites
28:33 The Evolution of Comics Journalism
32:39 Understanding Readership and Content Creation
37:33 The Challenges of Sustainable Comics Journalism
40:17 The Birth of Popverse
49:36 Service Journalism in Comics
55:55 Exploring the Impact of Iconic Comics
59:29 The Evolution of Comic Success
01:02:07 Comics Journalism in the Modern Era
01:15:17 The State of Comics Distribution
01:25:47 The Future of Comics Journalism
Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman
Producer: Stephanie Gerk
Research: Anthony Militano
Have something to tell us? Email the show at: info@pranadm.com
Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Find SAL CRIVELLI:
YouTube: @comicpop
Instagram: @comicpopofficial
patreon.com/comicpop
https://www.twitch.tv/comicpop
CHAPTERS
03:03 The Love for Comics
05:57 Generational Influence of Comics
09:01 Sal's Journey into Comics
11:50 Early Inspirations and Failures
14:56 Transition to Film and YouTube
18:03 Creating Content and Building a Channel
21:09 Reflections on Success and Engagement
26:46 The Algorithmic Nature of Engagement
28:00 The Power of Relationships in Content Creation
29:13 The Role of Tiffany in Sal's Journey
37:30 The Evolution of Comic Pop
43:42 Remembering Benny Potter: A Life in Comics
58:52 The Cheese Metaphor: Abundance vs. Moderation
01:00:19 Benny's Influence: Growth and Expansion in Business
01:02:19 Memorable Moments: Comic Con and Fan Interactions
01:03:36 The Dynamic of Working with Benny
01:05:20 Friendship and Daily Interactions with Benny
01:11:02 Remembering Benny: A Tribute and Memorial
01:12:20 The State of Comics Journalism: A Dying Art?
01:18:15 The Evolution of Comics News: From Wizard to YouTube
01:24:23 Navigating Hostility and Finding Safe Spaces
01:25:50 The Nichefication of Interests in Comics
01:27:58 The Disconnect Between Fans and Industry
01:29:38 The Passion for Comics and Niche Discussions
01:30:55 The Balance of Entertainment and Education
01:32:39 The Challenge of Finding Deeper Meaning
01:36:53 The Dream of Adult Education
01:37:42 Achieving a Dream: Writing for Terminator
01:40:03 The Journey of a Comic Creator
01:41:39 Concerns for the Future of Comics
01:45:41 The Current State of the Comic Industry
Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman
Producer: Stephanie Gerk
Research: Anthony Militano
Have something to tell us? Email the show at: info@pranadm.com
Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Find WAYNE WINSETT:
https://timewarpboulder.com/
Time Warp has been proudly serving the Boulder community for the last 40 years. And on January 1st of 2025 the owner, and all around excellent human, Wayne hung up his cape and cowl and passed the torch to new owners.
Dottie and Kelly Cooke have taken up the mantel of carrying on the legacy of this amazing Comic Shop.
CHAPTERS
01:47 Transitioning from Retailer to Consultant
03:49 Cautious Optimism in Comic Distribution
07:57 Reflecting on 40 Years in Comics
11:48 The Evolution of the Comic Industry
15:58 The Impact of Technology on Retail
19:51 Discoverability in Comics
23:59 The Future of Comics and Collectibility
29:07 Diversity in Boulder’s Comic Scene
30:52 Challenges in Communication with Publishers
34:27 Navigating the Retail Landscape
37:11 Impact of Government Policies on Comics
45:28 The Journey of Selling a Comic Store
57:06 Winning the Comic Game
58:27 Comic Shop Culture and Community
01:00:07 Transitioning to New Sales Methods
01:01:10 Navigating the Pandemic's Impact
01:06:12 Reflections on Distribution Changes
01:10:10 The Future of Comic Retail
01:18:10 Challenges Facing Comics Today
01:22:00 The Importance of Passion in Comics
Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman
Producer: Stephanie Gerk
Research: Anthony Militano
Have something to tell us? Email the show at: info@pranadm.com
Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Find KURT HASSLER
Yen Press: https://yenpress.com/
Twitter: @yenpress
Instagram: @yenpress
CHAPTERS
03:08 Transitioning Roles in Publishing
05:51 The Role of a Publisher
09:00 Curation and Market Understanding
11:54 Kurt's Early Career and Experiences
14:58 The Evolution of Graphic Novels
18:01 Challenges in the Book Retail Industry
21:03 The Importance of Discovery in Publishing
23:45 From Buying to Publishing
27:00 The Birth of Yen Press
31:09 Building Relationships in Publishing
33:51 Transitioning Ownership: Yen Press and Kadokawa
36:48 Negotiating Complex Deals
40:26 Expanding Kadokawa's Presence in North America
42:32 Challenges of Growth in the Comic Industry
49:45 The Role of Retail in Manga Sales
51:50 The Concept of Manga Spot: A New Retail Experience
01:01:35 Reviving Community Bookstores and Comic Shops
01:02:16 Exploring the Mall as a Destination for Comics
01:04:07 The Importance of Face Time with Customers
01:05:57 The Buyer-Publisher Dynamic in Comics
01:09:49 Returnability and Its Impact on Sales
01:12:03 The Evolution of Bookstores and Comic Shops
01:17:25 Creating a New Space for Manga
01:20:08 Navigating the Changing Landscape of Comic Distribution
Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman
Producer: Stephanie Gerk
Research: Anthony Militano
Have something to tell us? Email the show at: info@pranadm.com
Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Find THE COMICS PALS
https://thecomicspals.com/
YouTube: @thecomicspals
The Comics Pals are a group of pop culture journalists and commentators who cover comic books and related media.
CHAPTERS
00:00 The State of the Comic Book Industry
06:07 Data Challenges and the Need for Accurate Metrics
12:03 Identifying Pain Points in the Comic Book Market
20:07 The Store's Responsibility in Building Community
24:19 The Fight for Distribution
32:22 Access and Quality in Publishing
39:09 Innovative Marketing Strategies
42:25 Building Community Through Comics
44:12 The Indie Comic Landscape
48:20 The Future of Comic Publishing
52:11 Creator Mindset and Industry Challenges
56:17 The Decline of Big Two Comics in Retail
59:04 Cultural Shifts in Reading Habits
01:01:50 Challenges of Print Advertising
01:06:36 The Future of Comic Book Marketing
01:14:11 Building Community in Comics
01:15:10 Building Relationships with Creators
01:18:52 The Importance of Community in Marketing
01:19:31 The Shift in Marketing Strategies
01:21:59 The Role of Media and Channels
01:23:56 The Need for an Ad Network
01:25:45 The Fan Confidence Rating Explained
01:34:40 Technical Challenges and Fan Confidence Ratings
01:35:38 Analyzing Fan Confidence Trends
01:36:35 Understanding Publisher Needs and Data Limitations
01:37:02 The Importance of Fan Awareness in Comic Sales
01:39:39 The Role of Subscriptions in Comic Retailing
01:41:20 Retailer Strategies: Sell Through vs. Sell In
01:43:19 The Impact of Community Sentiment on Sales
01:45:40 Marketing Strategies for Comic Book Launches
01:51:12 Discussion on New Comic Releases and Their Appeal
01:52:52 The Rise of New Comic Fans
01:55:37 The Impact of Major Story Arcs
01:56:59 The Future of DC Comics and FanDome
02:00:04 The Evolution of Comic Book Marketing
02:02:03 Upcoming Projects and Community Engagement
Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman
Producer: Stephanie Gerk
Research: Anthony Militano
Have something to tell us? Email the show at: info@pranadm.com
Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Find GAMAL HENNESSY
https://www.creativecontractconsulting.com/
LinkedIn: @gamalhennessy/
CHAPTERS
03:16 Meet Gamal Hennessy: The Legal Expert in Comics
10:22 The Evolution of Freelance Creators in Comics
16:06 Navigating the Complexities of Comic Contracts
23:53 The Relevance of Nonfiction in a Changing Industry
29:00 Gamal's Journey: From Law School to Comics Law
35:20 From Law School to Central Park Media
40:02 Transitioning to Marvel: The Journey Begins
47:59 Finding Joy in Law: A Unique Perspective
56:00 The Evolution of the Comics Industry
01:00:04 Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Comics
01:11:35 The Journey to Comics Experience
01:18:56 Building a Career in Comics
01:32:49 Understanding Contracts and Creator Ownership
01:47:47 Bourbon and Beyond: A Personal Touch
Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman
Producer: Stephanie Gerk
Research: Anthony Militano
Have something to tell us? Email the show at: info@pranadm.com
Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.
Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Find HEIDI MACDONALD
https://www.comicsbeat.com/
Instagram: @comixace
Twitter: @Comixace
BSky: @comixace.bsky.social
CHAPTERS
02:18 The State of the Comic Book Industry
05:04 Friends of Lulu: A Movement for Women in Comics
11:59 Expanding Readership in Comics
17:44 The Evolution of Comics Journalism
20:32 Heidi McDonald's Journey in Comics Journalism
31:40 The Evolution of Comic Communities
34:06 Talent Spotting in Comics
36:59 The Impact of Short-Form Video on Journalism
38:56 The Shift from Music to Writing
43:13 The Decline of Traditional Journalism
45:58 The Changing Landscape of Comic Journalism
51:10 The Role of Social Media in Information Gathering
55:56 The Value of Comics Journalism
01:00:01 Curating Content in the Comic Industry
01:04:03 The Landscape of Comic Advertising
01:07:41 The Diminishing Returns of Comic Media
01:10:12 The Value Proposition of Comics
01:14:54 The Role of Journalism in Comics
01:18:57 The Future of Comics Journalism
01:27:50 The Rise of Newsletters and Community Engagement
01:32:55 Valiant's Legacy and Challenges
01:35:47 Marketing Strategies in Comics
01:38:55 The Role of Publishers and Imprints
01:40:50 The Future of Comics and Character Creation
01:44:48 The State of the Comic Industry
01:50:21 Economic Uncertainty and Its Impact
01:55:11 The Future of Comics Journalism
Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman
Producer: Stephanie Gerk
Research: Anthony Militano
Have something to tell us? Email the show at: info@pranadm.com
Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.
Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Find JIMMY PALMIOTTI
https://www.paperfilms.com/
Instagram: @jimmypalmiotti/
Twitter: @jpalmiotti
CHAPTERS
01:50 Jimmy Palmiotti's Career Highlights
06:09 Barbecue and Food Culture in New York
10:01 The Influence of Personal Experiences on Writing
13:54 The Relationship with Amanda Conner
20:13 The Creation of 'The Pro' and Its Impact
23:23 The Impact of Paul and Bob on Comics
24:55 The Evolution of Garth Ennis' Work
25:00 Jimmy Palmiotti's Journey to Comics
29:01 The Reality of Comic Book Careers
30:26 Advertising and Its Influence on Comic Art
32:11 The Marvel Bullpen Experience
39:38 Building Relationships in the Comic Industry
40:50 The Birth of Event Comics
46:14 Pitching to Marvel: A New Era Begins
51:43 The Marvel Knights Revolution
54:42 Building a Brand in Comics
57:38 Reviving Underdog Characters
01:01:40 The Importance of Personal Stories
01:06:37 The Creative Process and Risk-Taking
01:10:43 Kickstarter and Independent Publishing
01:19:09 The Power of Direct Sales and Limited Editions
01:20:09 Quality Over Quantity in Comic Production
01:21:37 The Importance of Tactile Experience in Comics
01:22:21 Understanding Pricing and Value in Comics
01:23:09 Innovative Campaign Strategies for Kickstarter
01:25:12 Delivering Quality and Timeliness in Crowdfunding
01:26:38 Building Trust and Reputation in the Comic Community
01:30:02 The Value of True Fans in Creative Work
01:31:37 Exploring New Platforms for Crowdfunding
01:34:44 Future Projects and Creative Freedom
Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman
Producer: Stephanie Gerk
Research: Anthony Militano
Have something to tell us? Email the show at: info@pranadm.com
Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.
Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Find CHIP ZDARSKY:
https://www.zdars.co/
https://zdarsky.substack.com/
https://www.zcnmagazine.com/
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Canadian Humor
02:58 The State of Comics and the Need for Change
06:02 The Birth of ZCN and Its Evolution
08:59 The Influence of Wizard Magazine
12:03 Personal Stories and Comic Origins
14:59 Family Support and Early Influences
17:58 The Toronto Comic Scene and Community
21:02 The Formation of Raid Studios
23:57 Reflections on the Comic Industry and Personal Growth
26:38 The Evolution of Online Comic Communities
32:00 From Self-Publishing to Professional Success
36:56 The Breakthrough of Sex Criminals
44:01 Navigating the Superhero Genre
49:02 Balancing Creator-Owned and Licensed Work
55:28 Building an Audience: The Creator's Dilemma
56:10 Exploring Public Domain Projects
58:05 Passion Projects: Comics About Comics
01:00:39 Balancing Day Job and Creative Work
01:01:20 The Art of Promotion and Interaction
01:03:15 Creative Marketing: Engaging Retailers
01:05:20 The Power of Creator Beefs
01:07:10 Comics Pro: A Unique Experience
01:10:05 The Supportive Comic Community
01:12:09 Future of ZCN: Exciting Developments
01:15:30 Looking Ahead: Plans for Growth
Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman
Producer: Stephanie Gerk
Research: Anthony Militano
Have something to tell us? Email the show at: info@pranadm.com
Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.
Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov