Comics Connection Make Comics Podcast artwork

Comics Connection Make Comics Podcast

110 episodes - English - Latest episode: 15 days ago - ★★★★★ - 69 ratings

The Comics Connection Make Comics podcast provides ~15 minutes of advice per episode on all aspects of creating comics and breaking in to the industry.

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Episodes

What’s the Secret Weapon for Your Comics?

March 14, 2024 12:52 - 24 minutes - 41.6 MB

In this week’s episode of the Comics Connection Podcast, Andy and Gamal talk about the one person who can improve the quality of your comic and reduce the stress of producing it.

How Long Do You Make Your Comics? 

February 27, 2024 20:43 - 33 minutes - 56.9 MB

Graphic novel, mini-series, ongoing series, which length is the right choice for your comics? That depends on the creator, the publisher, the retailer, and the reader. Andy and Gamal look at the perspectives of each group and how they factor into the size of your story. 

Why 2024 is the Best Time to Be a Comic Book Creator

February 13, 2024 23:18 - 21 minutes - 36 MB

The comic book press regularly discusses the real challenges and issues involved in being a comic book creator or publisher. But it is also true that now is the best time in the history of comics to build a business in this industry.

Dealing with Criticism, Indifference, and Rejection in Comics

January 30, 2024 17:48 - 29 minutes - 49.7 MB

In this week’s episode of the Comics Connection podcast, Andy and I talk about the creative and mental impact of negative reactions to your comic and what you can do on a personal and professional level to reduce your inevitable discomfort.

What is the Best Distribution for Your Comic?

January 09, 2024 22:21 - 24 minutes - 41.1 MB

In this week’s episode of the Comics Connection Podcast, Andy and Gamal talk about the best and most profitable way to get your comic in the hands of your readers.

2024 Predictions for the Comic Book Industry

December 20, 2023 16:37 - 25 minutes - 40.5 MB

Andy and Gamal wrap up 2023 with our thoughts on how censorship, crowdfunding, comic book shops, and digital comics will evolve and impact the comic book industry in 2024.

What Does It Take to be a Professional Comic Creator?

November 29, 2023 22:26 - 16 minutes - 28.4 MB

Andy and Gamal discuss the personal and professional qualities you need to maintain a long career in comic books and we talk about evolving as a creative person over time.

The Persistent Death of the Comic Book Industry

November 14, 2023 22:29 - 30 minutes - 48.5 MB

Andy and Gamal discuss the current state of the direct market in light of recent op-ed pieces and offer some advice on what creators, publishers and retailers can and can’t do to improve the situation.

The Most Dangerous Contracts in Comics

September 26, 2023 18:43 - 27 minutes - 44.9 MB

In this week’s episode of the Comics Connection Podcast, Andy and Gamal talk about the pitfalls of creator-owned comics and what to look for in your deal to make sure you don’t become another comic book tragedy.

Balancing Creative Quality and Business Goals in Comic Books

September 12, 2023 20:29 - 25 minutes - 41.3 MB

In this week’s episode of the Comics Connection Podcast, Andy and Gamal discuss how comic book creators can thrive with a thousand true fans and the connection between story quality and long-term readers.

The Real Measure of Comic Book Sales

August 29, 2023 18:58 - 20 minutes - 31.5 MB

In this week’s episode of the Comics Connection podcast, Andy and Gamal discuss the sales charts that are really important to independent comic book publishers and the opportunities for success that can be found outside the comic shop.

Judging a Comic Book by its Cover

August 15, 2023 18:54 - 22 minutes - 33.1 MB

In this week’s episode, Andy and Gamal look at the importance of comic book covers from a sales and marketing perspective and offer you some tips on how to approach your cover for comic shops, crowdfunding, and reader appeal.

Comic Cons and Conflict

August 01, 2023 18:57 - 26 minutes - 39.8 MB

In this week’s episode of the Comics Connection Podcast, Andy and Gamal recap their experiences at San Diego Comic Con and Terrificon. They also take a hard look at the persistent pitfalls that plague the comic book industry and what you can do to protect yourself from abuse.

A Strike, a Slowdown, and a Union Complaint

June 06, 2023 23:51 - 36 minutes - 60.8 MB

In this week’s episode of the Comics Connection Podcast, Andy and Gamal talk about the impact of the continued WGA strike on comics, dealing with the trucking slowdown for print comics, and the spotlight created by the newly formed Image union.

On Shared Universes and Time Management

May 23, 2023 19:07 - 21 minutes - 34.8 MB

In this week’s episode of the Comics Connection Podcast, Andy and Gamal talk about the pitfalls of announcing a connected universe of comics and offer some tips on how to manage your time as a comic creator and publisher.

Changes at IDW, Crowdfunding at Marvel and Professional Presentation

May 23, 2023 18:59 - 28 minutes - 49.1 MB

In this week’s episode of the Comics Connection Podcast, Andy and Gamal talk about the major changes happening at IDW, the impact of Marvel’s crowdfunding experiment on other creators, and how to carry yourself as a comic book professional before and after you get a gig.

Printing for Cons and Fighting Book Bans

April 25, 2023 19:10 - 31 minutes - 51.1 MB

In this week’s episode of the Comics Connection Podcast, Andy and Gamal talk about what creators and publishers need to think about when printing their comics for crowdfunding and conventions. They also talk about the impact of book bans on comics and the companies that publish them.

Saying Goodbye to Al Jaffee and Ike Perlmutter

April 11, 2023 23:22 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MB

In this week’s episode of the Comics Connection Podcast, Andy and Gamal report on the state of comic conventions in 2023, the loss of an iconic artist for Mad Magazine, the end of the Ike era at Marvel, and what independent comic publishers can learn from his impact on the company.

Episode 257: The Benefits of ComicsPro and the Downside of Superhero Comics

March 18, 2023 18:38 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MB

In this week’s episode of the Comics Connection Podcast, Andy and Gamal discuss how events like ComicsPro can help comic creators build positive relationships with retailers. They also discuss the challenges of publishing superhero comics both for established companies like Marvel and for independent publishers as well. If you’d like to subscribe to our mailing […]

Episode 256: Replacing Comixology and Evolving Kickstarter

February 15, 2023 19:30 - 38 minutes - 60.4 MB

In this week’s episode of the Comics Connection Podcast, Andy and Gamal discuss the companies attempting to replace Comixology as the main source for digital comics and what publishers should look for in a digital comics platform. They also talk about the increasing importance of Kickstarter to the independent comics community and the impact a […]

Episode 255: Digital Comics Without Comixology and Comic Book Company Investment

February 01, 2023 22:49 - 36 minutes - 63.1 MB

In this week’s episode of the Comics Connection Podcast, Andy and Gamal discuss the digital Comics Options for publishers and creators in the wake of Amazon’s recent moves, as well as the questions raised by the financial news coming out of IDW and Skybound.

Episode 254: AI Legal Battles, Missing Sales Charts and Freelance Laws

January 17, 2023 21:26 - 29 minutes - 49.7 MB

Andy and Gamal discuss the class action lawsuit against AI art, the disappearance of comic book sales charts, and the legal and moral foundations of working in comics as a freelancer.

Episode 253: Public Domain, Marketing, and Maybe Movie Misery

January 04, 2023 19:37 - 39 minutes - 68 MB

In our first podcast episode of 2023, Andy and Gamal discuss the pitfalls of making comics from public domain works, the impact of creative marketing on comic book sales, and the fallout that comes from building a comic business based only on movie revenue.

Episode 252: Comics Connection 2022 End of the Year Wrap Up

December 20, 2022 23:28 - 34 minutes - 58.5 MB

In the last episode of 2022, Andy and Gamal discuss the rise and fall of companies like Mad Cave and AfterShock, the increased competition in comics distribution, the spike in library censorship, and the continuing impact of AI on comics. They also have a special moment of silence at the end of the episode for […]

Episode 251: How Does Artificial Intelligence Impact the Comic Book Industry?

December 19, 2022 22:36 - 20 minutes - 23.2 MB

In our first Comics Connection Podcast, Andy and Gamal discuss the moral, legal, and financial implications of emerging AI technology and what comic creators need to consider to navigate their careers in this evolving world. If you’d like to join Comics Connection, visit us at https://comicsconnection.net/

250 Comics and Contracts with Gamal Hennessy

October 18, 2022 20:05 - 25 minutes - 34.6 MB

Gamal Hennessy of Creative Contract Consulting joins Andy and Joey to talk about making comics and contracts. Gamal talks about his legal career including his time at Marvel Comics, things to keep in mind as a creator with contracts including rights, royalties, and revenue. 

249 NYCC, Common Pitfalls For Creators at Cons 

October 04, 2022 17:34 - 25 minutes - 35.6 MB

Andy and Joey talk about NYCC, how to approach editors at cons, how to sell and track your inventory at conventions, and more.

248 When Good Ideas Aren’t That Well Executed

September 27, 2022 18:37 - 45 minutes - 62 MB

Andy and Joey talk about when ideas aren't that well executed, including how and why can a "good idea" go "wrong," and some ways to try and execute ideas well. 

247 Indie Comics Sales

September 05, 2022 15:10 - 38 minutes - 52.8 MB

Andy talks about Lunar Distributor's retailer summit, his recent trips to C2E2 and SDCC, and what he's seen and heard around sales for indie comics and smaller publishers.

246 What Creators and Publishers Should Expect From Each Other

July 22, 2022 00:10 - 15 minutes - 21 MB

Andy talks about what publishers and creators should expect from each other. Outreach to retailers, promoting to readers and media, what are the creators responsibilities, what are the publisher responsibilities and more.

245 SDCC and Conventions

July 04, 2022 15:11 - 29 minutes - 40.2 MB

Andy talks about his plans for San Diego Comic Con including running panels, in-person meetings and conversations, and being Covid cautious as a creator going to conventions.

244 Joe Quesada, Editorial Management Changes at Publishers

June 15, 2022 12:21 - 42 minutes - 58.7 MB

Joe Quesada has left his position at Marvel Comics for new creative pursuits. Andy and Joey talk about Quesada's time as Marvel Knights Editor then Editor-in-Chief, and what it means for creators when there are management changes at publishers. 

243 George Perez and Neal Adams

May 18, 2022 18:29 - 36 minutes - 50.2 MB

Andy and Joey talk about George Perez, two comics creators who recently passed. Andy worked on projects that Perez and Adams worked on and shares his experiences, as well as creator rights, kindness to collaborators and readers, legacy, and more.

242 Panel Actions

May 03, 2022 20:13 - 38 minutes - 52.3 MB

Andy and Joey talk about panel descriptions, which Andy has come to describe as "panel actions" in his thinking and teaching his courses. Each panel can have one action, stories are active, things are happening, establishing shots can have actions…

241 Storytelling in Comics, TV, and Movies

April 20, 2022 20:54 - 48 minutes - 66.4 MB

Andy and Joey talk about comics being adapted into TV and movies, story arcs, "new number 1!" issues, and how storytellers need to keep in mind what medium they're working in. Even if your comic gets optioned for TV and movies, the goal with your comic is to always make the best comic book you can make.

240 Fred Van Lente and Steve Ellis SILENCERS: THE DEFINITIVE EDITION

April 11, 2022 13:29 - 31 minutes - 29 MB

Fred Van Lente and Steve Ellis join Andy to discuss their upcoming release SILENCERS: THE DEFINITIVE EDITION coming soon from CEX Publishing! But make no mistake, they’re doling out career advice for both artists and writers and discussing how the industry has changed over the years!

239 Contract Negotiations

March 22, 2022 14:43 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MB

Andy talks about contract negotiations from both the creator side and publisher side. Since CEX Publishing launched the CEX contract to publish comics has changed based on their experiences. Creators asking questions, talking through concerns, and more.

238 Lettering Passes Workflow

March 12, 2022 11:15 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MB

Comics lettering is an important part of making comics, and writers + artists + editors can help set a letterer up for success with their passes before ever sending pages to a letterer. Workflow, design, and being aware of a letterer's time FTW!

#236 – Resolutions for 2022, Planning and Goals

January 11, 2022 19:18 - 41 minutes - 37.6 MB

New year, new podcast episode talking about goals and planning for those goals. Andy and Joey talk about how their 2021s have impacted their priorities and planning for 2022, the role work-life-balance plays, and how they're thinking about the new year.

#235 – 2021 in Review

January 03, 2022 15:19 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MB

2021 was another year of changes in comics and making comics. Andy talks about publishing, printing, shipping, and more.

#234 – Writing Comics Basics

December 16, 2021 13:34 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MB

Andy and Joey talk about writing comics basics, why people start writing comics, telling a complete story in a few pages, how to think about working with artists, learning about the comics industry and more.

#233 – Visual Storytelling Basics

December 10, 2021 14:41 - 30 minutes - 28 MB

Andy and Joey talk about some of the fundamentals of visual storytelling, the benefits of all creators learning as much as they can about visual storytelling, and talking to your collaborators about intent before you get started on your comics.

#232 – Comics Coloring Basics

November 17, 2021 13:26 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MB

Andy and Joey and talk comics coloring basics. Ways to approach the page, coloring notes, creative team planning with your creative team during the planning stages, and more!

#231 – Budgeting and Payments with Crowdfunded Comics

November 09, 2021 17:13 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MB

Andy and Joey talk about crowdfunded comics planning including budgeting, compensation for collaborators and professionals, "long-term money-making," if one-person/a publisher is financing the project and more!

#230 – NYCC 2021 and Cons During Covid Takeaways

October 22, 2021 13:03 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MB

Andy talks about getting ready for and going to New York City Comic Con during Covid. How he planned, what it was like with less bigger name publishers around, and how the show was for him and creators he talked to.

#229 – Designing Pages and Grids with Gannon Beck

October 01, 2021 13:04 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MB

Writer & artist Gannon Beck (Space Corps) talks about designing pages including using 9 and 16 panel grids, what he's learned from newspaper comic strips and a 4 panel grid. Gannon also talks about upcoming CEX Publishing print release of Space Corps.

#228 – Fiction and Non-Fiction Stories

September 17, 2021 13:04 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MB

Andy and Joey talk about approaches to writing fiction and non-fiction stories, including when a story might not have a "structure", being honest in the telling, and trying to deconstruct story endings.

#227 – Writing Solicitations for Retailers and Readers

July 30, 2021 16:10 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MB

Andy and Joey talk about writing solicitation copy for retailers and readers and thinking about what audience you're communicating with, and what you want that audience to do. Consistent messaging and tone, what information to give where and when!

#226 – From Pitch to First Issue with Phillip Kennedy Johnson

July 15, 2021 00:25 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MB

Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Superman, Action Comics, Alien) talks about taking your comics ideas to pitches including his July 31st Comics Experience Master Seminar, how his script writing has evolved over his career, and how he got starting making comics.

#225 – Kickstarting Your Comic with Lewelin Polanco, Greg Tjsovold and Steve Urena

June 29, 2021 21:56 - 1 hour - 61.5 MB

Kickstarting your comic with Lewelin Polanco (Astro & Inez: La Novela), Greg Tjosvold (The Lump Sum Saga), and Steve Urena (Zombie Date Night). Three different creators share what they've learned making their own comics, and why Kickstarter.

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