Comic Industry Insiders

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. 
 

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. 

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. 
 

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

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

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

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

Find DAN DIDIO:
 
Instagram: @dan.didio2020
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Dan DiDio and the Podcast
06:07 The Animation Model in Comics
11:54 The State of the Comic Industry
17:50 The Transition from Animation to Comics
23:46 The Importance of Passion in the Comic Industry
30:01 Advice for Aspiring Comic Creators
36:07 The Exclusive War Begins
42:22 The Move to Burbank
49:10 Co-Publishing with Jim Lee
56:20 The Boys and Wildstorm
01:04:28 The Final Months at DC
01:10:57 Creative Processes and Collaboration in Comics
01:16:33 Mentorship and Craft in Comics
01:25:53 Conflict and Communication in the Comic Community
01:33:30 The Future of Distribution in Comics
01:39:36 The Need for Innovation in Comic Formats
01:45:09 Lessons from Controversies in Comic Publishing
01:52:50 The Future of Storytelling 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. 
 
Theme Song:  Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov
 

Find DAVID HARPER:
 
https://sktchd.com/
https://bsky.app/profile/sktchd.bsky.social
 
https://bsky.app/profile/davidharper.bsky.social 
 
OFF PANEL podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-panel-a-comics-interview-podcast/id1006337409
Patreon: https://patreon.com/OffPanel
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to David Harper and Comics Journalism
05:57 The Concept of a Comic Book Shop Café
12:00 The Birth of Multiversity Comics
17:50 The Influence of Grantland on David's Work
23:59 The Challenges of Burnout and Passion Projects
29:53 Reflections on Podcasting and Content Creation
35:49 Balancing Day Job and Creative Freedom
46:12 Challenges in Comics Marketing
56:09 Leveraging Online Sales for Comic Shops
01:02:00 Mind-Boggling Decisions in Publishing
01:11:04 The Evolution of Comics Press
01:19:36 Navigating the Changing Landscape of Marketing
01:27:55 The Future of Comics and Community Engagement
01:33:03 Hope and Resilience in the Comics Industry
Follow Comic Industry Insiders on Twitter: @pranadms
Instagram: @pranadms
LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/
 
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

Find STEPHEN CHRISTY:
 
https://www.boom-studios.com/
 
Instagram: @stephenchristy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-christy-55681ab/ 
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
03:01 Stephen Christy's Journey in Comics
05:48 The Evolution of Archaia and Its Impact
09:00 The Challenges of Small Publishers
11:53 The Role of Development in Comics
15:01 The Transition to Editor-in-Chief at Archaia
18:01 Quality Over Quantity: Archaia's Philosophy
21:09 The Future of Comics Publishing
33:23 Building a Brand Without a Budget
34:54 The Arkea Internship Program: Nurturing Talent
36:02 Navigating Leadership Challenges
40:02 Customer Acquisition vs. Business Sustainability
43:31 The Acquisition of Arkea by Boom
49:10 Transitioning to Boom Studios
54:44 The Challenges of Merging Cultures
01:01:06 The Impact of Disney's Acquisition on Boom
01:06:31 Innovating During a Pandemic: The Rise of Berserker
01:07:57 Navigating Financial Challenges
01:08:33 Leadership Changes and Company Dynamics
01:10:55 The Evolution of Company Leadership
01:15:07 Transitioning to a New Era
01:19:03 Adapting to Corporate Structures
01:20:17 Success Amidst Industry Changes
01:24:06 High Concept: The Key to Adaptation
01:29:11 The Importance of Persistence
01:32:38 Hiring for Development: What Matters
01:35:25 The Future of Comics and Entertainment
01:39:36 Threats and Opportunities in the Industry
Follow Comic Industry Insiders on Twitter: @pranadms
Instagram: @pranadms
LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/
 
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