Advertise on podcast: Storycomic Presents: Interviews with Amazing Storytellers and Artists

On this episode,  I’m joined by award-winning author Maggie Tokuda-Hall to talk about her new picture book Bathtime for Snow Monkeys, illustrated by Yas Imamura and published by Candlewick. _ Bathtime for Snow Monkeys_ is a serene and playful picture book written entirely in haiku form. Set at the Jigokudani monkey park in Nagano, Japan, the story introduces young readers to the nihonzaru, or Japanese macaques, who gather in their own onsen — a hot spring “spa” — to keep warm, relax, snack, and huddle together in the snow. When a playful baby monkey starts splashing, the other monkeys are not so sure they want to join in. But as the baby’s antics wind down, the story becomes a soothing invitation for parents and little ones to snuggle together like the macaques: warm, safe, and close. Maggie and Yas previously collaborated on Love in the Library, and this new book pairs Maggie’s haiku narration with Yas Imamura’s illustrations. We talk about poetry for young readers, writing quiet books, Japanese macaques, nature, cultural specificity, and how picture books can help families slow down. #MaggieTokudaHall #BathtimeForSnowMonkeys #YasImamura #Candlewick #PictureBooks #KidsBooks #Haiku #SnowMonkeys #JapaneseMacaques #Onsen #ReadAloud #ChildrensBooks #WeMakeChildrensBooks #Storycomic #AuthorInterview The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at [email protected]   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devline, Benjamin Hunting, Samantha Kolber, Frank Walk, Mark Bell, Alexis E. Fajardo, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ https://www.dieboldcomics.com/ https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/ https://benjaminhunting.com/ https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/ https://www.pigmacast.com/ https://plaguedoctorpress.com/ https://kidbeowulf.com/

On this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined again by Vermont author Dan Durick to talk about The Mechanism of Collapse, Book Two of The Tetrad Cycle. Dan’s series began with The Dark Matter, a science-fiction, supernatural horror, and conspiracy thriller about secret research, terrifying encounters, and forces that do not want to be understood. The book asks what might happen if the darkness between the stars reached down to touch us. Now Dan continues the story with The Mechanism of Collapse, the second book in a four-book cycle. His website lists Book Three, Reflection, as also arriving summer 2026, with a fourth concluding volume still to come. We talk about what changes in Book Two, how to escalate a conspiracy without losing the human stakes, and why cosmic horror works best when it feels grounded in a reality we recognize. Dan’s work draws on philosophy, unexplained experiences, and the deep human need to ask what is really behind the visible world. If you like science fiction, supernatural horror, conspiracy thrillers, dark matter, cosmic mystery, and Vermont authors building big genre worlds, this is a conversation worth checking out.   #DanDurick #TheMechanismOfCollapse #TheTetradCycle #TheDarkMatter #VermontAuthor #ScienceFiction #SupernaturalHorror #CosmicHorror #ConspiracyThriller #IndieAuthor #HorrorBooks #SciFiBooks #AuthorInterview #Storycomic #VermontBooks The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at [email protected]   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devline, Benjamin Hunting, Samantha Kolber, Frank Walk, Mark Bell, Alexis E. Fajardo, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ https://www.dieboldcomics.com/ https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/ https://benjaminhunting.com/ https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/ https://www.pigmacast.com/ https://plaguedoctorpress.com/ https://kidbeowulf.com/

On this episode, I’m joined by debut YA author Jasmine Smith to talk about her dark contemporary fantasy Death Card, published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers and on sale August 11, 2026. Death Card follows Mikaela Broussard, an eighteen-year-old witch in New Orleans who is expected to become the next Witch Queen of her coven. While doing a tarot reading in her family’s occult shop, Mikaela pulls the Death card and sees a vision of herself being murdered by a beautiful stranger named Joelle. Instead of staying away from Joelle, Mikaela keeps her close to learn why she would want to kill her — only to find herself falling for the very girl from her vision. As witches begin losing their magic, Mikaela has to unravel the mystery, face the politics of her coven, and decide whether fate is something she must accept or something she can fight. We talk about tarot, witchcraft, New Orleans atmosphere, sapphic romance, Black girls in YA fantasy, and writing a debut novel about power, fear, love, and choosing your own future. #JasmineSmith #DeathCard #DeathCardBook #YAFantasy #ContemporaryFantasy #BlackGirlMagic #BlackGirlsInFantasy #Tarot #WitchBooks #NewOrleansMagic #SapphicYA #QueerYA #DebutAuthor #WeMakeChildrensBooks #Storycomic The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at [email protected]   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devline, Benjamin Hunting, Samantha Kolber, Frank Walk, Mark Bell, Alexis E. Fajardo, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ https://www.dieboldcomics.com/ https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/ https://benjaminhunting.com/ https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/ https://www.pigmacast.com/ https://plaguedoctorpress.com/ https://kidbeowulf.com/

On this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by Johnell DeWitt, Michelle Lin, Patrick Williams, and Abigale Lyn to talk about the newest developments at KidLitGN. KidLitGN is a free annual pitch event for creators of children’s and YA graphic novels, including comics-style picture books, early/chapter books, middle grade, and young adult projects. The pitch event is hosted through the KidLitGN website and gives creators a chance to put their work in front of agents, editors, and publishers. This year, KidLitGN is expanding through new partnerships and student involvement. Patrick Williams, from Orange County School of the Arts, joins the conversation to talk about how OCSA students are supporting KidLitGN’s media, communication, and event efforts. Abigale Lyn, one of the OCSA student interns, brings the perspective of a young creator and reader who grew up with children’s and YA graphic novels and now has the chance to help support the community behind them. We also talk with Johnell DeWitt about the mission and growth of KidLitGN, and Michelle Lin about storytelling, graphic novel pitching, and why creators should take advantage of open-access opportunities like this. If you write, draw, teach, publish, or love children’s graphic novels, this is a conversation worth hearing.   #KidLitGN #JohnellDeWitt #MichelleLin #PatrickWilliams #AbigaleLyn #OCSA #GraphicNovels #KidLitGraphicNovels #ChildrensBooks #YAGraphicNovels #MiddleGradeGraphicNovels #ComicsCreators #PitchEvent #Storycomic #ComicsInterview The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at [email protected]   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devline, Benjamin Hunting, Samantha Kolber, Frank Walk, Mark Bell, Alexis E. Fajardo, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ https://www.dieboldcomics.com/ https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/ https://benjaminhunting.com/ https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/ https://www.pigmacast.com/ https://plaguedoctorpress.com/ https://kidbeowulf.com/

#IanLemke #NevermoreRPG #NepentheGames #TabletopRPG #TTRPG #AmericanGothic #GothicHorror #HorrorRPG #GameDesign #RoleplayingGames #IndieRPG #Poe #TabletopGames #Storycomic #RPGInterview   On this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined again by Ian Lemke of Nepenthe Games to talk about Nevermore: A Roleplaying Game of American Gothic Horror. Nevermore is a tabletop roleplaying game rooted in American Gothic horror, inspired by authors such as Poe, Melville, Gilman, Wharton, James, Bierce, and more. It uses an original card-based system with standard playing cards, giving the game a different feel from more familiar dice-driven RPGs. The game is set in the later 1800s, a period full of tension, reinvention, superstition, social change, and shadows just beyond the gaslight. But Ian’s approach to horror is not just about creatures in the dark. As he has explained elsewhere, even when a story has “just a monster,” the deeper question is often why that monster exists. We talk about building a gothic roleplaying game, designing horror mechanics, using cards instead of dice, turning American literature and folklore into playable stories, and what it means to make horror that is emotional, atmospheric, and character-driven. If you love tabletop RPGs, gothic fiction, American folklore, or game design, this is a great conversation. The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at [email protected]   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devline, Benjamin Hunting, Samantha Kolber, Frank Walk, Mark Bell, Alexis E. Fajardo, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ https://www.dieboldcomics.com/ https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/ https://benjaminhunting.com/ https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/ https://www.pigmacast.com/ https://plaguedoctorpress.com/ https://kidbeowulf.com/

#BillLutz #BillLutzDesigns #VermontArtist #VermontComics #Illustration #Cartooning #GraphicDesign #PathwaysBeforeTheReturn #TheFrontiersmen #SciFiComics #GraphicNovel #ComicCreator #VisualStorytelling #Storycomic #ArtistInterview   Bill Lutz returns to the show for a conversation about illustration, comics, graphic design, sci-fi, and the creative life. Bill is a Vermont-based illustrator, cartoonist, graphic designer, video editor, IT technician, and multimedia instructor whose career has moved across both art and technology. His website describes more than three decades of work in illustration, cartooning, graphic design, and video editing, along with a lifelong love of comic books and science fiction. One of Bill’s major personal projects is Pathways: Before the Return, a giant graphic novel that is part of a larger three-part saga called The Frontiersmen. The project mixes superheroes, romance, politics, intergalactic empires, oppressive religions, and family — which sounds like exactly the kind of ambitious, genre-rich project Bill would build. We also talk about Bill’s recent local attention after Seven Days profiled him as a South Burlington Staples employee and illustrator who keeps his sketchbook close at hand. That makes this a great catch-up conversation about persistence, creative identity, working artists, and the everyday discipline of keeping the pencil moving.   The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at [email protected]   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devline, Benjamin Hunting, Samantha Kolber, Frank Walk, Mark Bell, Alexis E. Fajardo, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ https://www.dieboldcomics.com/ https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/ https://benjaminhunting.com/ https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/ https://www.pigmacast.com/ https://plaguedoctorpress.com/ https://kidbeowulf.com/

#IsaiahRatliff #TheWaterbat #Waterbat #MurkyWaters #IndieComics #ShortComics #Webcomics #ComicCreator #ComicsInterview #VisualStorytelling #CreativeProcess #Storytelling #Absurdity #Storycomic #IndieCreators On this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by Isaiah Ratliff of The Waterbat, a site devoted to comics, writing, blog essays, and “stories and other little things.” Isaiah’s work blends humor, reflection, absurdity, and a real curiosity about how stories help us think. On the Waterbat blog, he writes about language, short story structure, etymology, overthinking, connection, loneliness, and why art can create space for deeper conversation. In his post “What is Waterbat?” he describes the project as “absurdity, overthinking, good conversation, loneliness, connection and understandings” shaped into words and pictures. The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at [email protected]   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devline, Benjamin Hunting, Samantha Kolber, Frank Walk, Mark Bell, Alexis E. Fajardo, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ https://www.dieboldcomics.com/ https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/ https://benjaminhunting.com/ https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/ https://www.pigmacast.com/ https://plaguedoctorpress.com/ https://kidbeowulf.com/     We talk about his latest comic work, including Murky Waters, which follows a raccoon with big ambitions testing an idea with help from a goose, as well as other comics listed on the site such as SKP, The Dowser, and Plain Unknown. This conversation is a great fit for anyone who loves indie comics, reflective storytelling, creative process, short-form comics, and creators who are willing to follow strange ideas until they become something meaningful.

#JimArnosky #VermontAuthor #ChildrensBooks #KidsLit #NatureBooks #WildlifeBooks #AuthorIllustrator #DrawingFromNature #VermontBooks #ScienceBooksForKids #OutdoorLearning #ReadAloud #NatureWriting #WeMakeChildrensBooks #Storycomic   On this episode, I’m honored to speak with Vermont author, illustrator, artist, and naturalist Jim Arnosky. Jim has written and illustrated more than 100 books for young readers, many of them focused on wildlife, nature, observation, drawing, and the outdoors. His books have introduced children to bears, birds, fish, reptiles, tracks, fields, ponds, and forests — always with a sense of curiosity and respect. This conversation is less about one specific title and more about a lifetime of creative work. We talk gently about what it means to notice the natural world, why children are such good observers, how drawing can help us understand what we see, and why books about nature remain so important. Jim’s work carries the patience of someone who has spent a life watching, sketching, listening, and learning from the land around him. As a local Vermont creator, his books also reflect the seasons, wildlife, and quiet beauty of this region. If you grew up with Jim Arnosky’s books, shared them with your children, used them in a classroom, or simply love children’s books that help kids connect with nature, this is a conversation to treasure. The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at [email protected]   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devline, Benjamin Hunting, Samantha Kolber, Frank Walk, Mark Bell, Alexis E. Fajardo, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ https://www.dieboldcomics.com/ https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/ https://benjaminhunting.com/ https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/ https://www.pigmacast.com/ https://plaguedoctorpress.com/ https://kidbeowulf.com/

#JohnSchu #HollyHatam #LilyMaysJoyfulDay #RuthieRosesBigIdea #CandlewickPress #PictureBooks #KidsLit #ChildrensBooks #MindfulnessForKids #SocialEmotionalLearning #ReadAloud #ClassroomBooks #Joywalking #WeMakeChildrensBooks #Storycomic   On this episode of  I’m joined by John Schu to talk about his upcoming picture book Lily-May’s Joyful Day, illustrated by Holly Hatam and published by Candlewick. The book is a companion to Ruthie Rose’s Big Idea: A Poetry Story and follows Lily-May during a classroom sharing activity called the Bag of Y-O-U. Her best friend Ruthie Rose has a bag full of treasures, and the class loves it. But when Lily-May pulls out just one piece of paper from her own bag, her heart starts racing. Remembering her grandmother’s advice to breathe, hold, and count to three, Lily-May finds her courage and tells the class about joywalking — a practice of listening, thinking, wandering, roaming, exploring ideas, and noticing. Soon she leads the whole class outside on a joywalk of their own. We talk about mindfulness in picture books, the classroom as a storytelling space, the joy of noticing everyday details, and how John and Holly Hatam build a book that can be used both at home and in school. If you love books that help children name feelings, breathe through nervous moments, and find delight in the world around them, this is a beautiful conversation. The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at [email protected]   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devline, Benjamin Hunting, Samantha Kolber, Frank Walk, Mark Bell, Alexis E. Fajardo, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ https://www.dieboldcomics.com/ https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/ https://benjaminhunting.com/ https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/ https://www.pigmacast.com/ https://plaguedoctorpress.com/ https://kidbeowulf.com/

#MattStevens #AlexRobnett #PanopticonComic #DarkWebComics #DigitalPools #Macroverse #KickstarterComics #IndieComics #SciFiComics #MysteryComics #PrisonStory #SurveillanceFiction #InteractiveComics #Storycomic #ComicsInterview On this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by Matt Stevens, creator of Panopticon, and Alex Robnett, Matt’s creative partner at DarkWeb Comics and author of Digital Pools. Panopticon is a mature sci-fi prison graphic novel about a new inmate entering a timeless, single-chamber facility where prisoners never know when, or even whether, they are being watched. As he learns the rules and codes of the prison, he has to unravel the mystery of the facility, its unseen wardens, and the possibility that staying may be deadlier than escape. We talk about the story’s core themes: oppressive surveillance, unreliable memory, loyalty, control, and the slow uncovering of truth inside a system built on fear. We also dig into Matt’s creative process, including the interactive Intake Processing character creator that lets readers build their own inmate and unlock classified content. Alex joins the conversation to talk about Digital Pools, DarkWeb Comics, and their plans to launch multiple stories through Macroverse, a platform focused on digital comics and mobile-first storytelling. If you like sci-fi mystery, prison stories, unreliable narrators, interactive comics, and indie creators building new ways for readers to engage, this is a great conversation.   The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at [email protected]   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devline, Benjamin Hunting, Samantha Kolber, Frank Walk, Mark Bell, Alexis E. Fajardo, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ https://www.dieboldcomics.com/ https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/ https://benjaminhunting.com/ https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/ https://www.pigmacast.com/ https://plaguedoctorpress.com/ https://kidbeowulf.com/

#RoxieInColor #DianeDebrovner #StacyCervenka #CandlewickPress #MiddleGradeBooks #KidsLit #ChildrensBooks #DisabilityRepresentation #BlindParents #BlindnessAwareness #Accessibility #GuideDogs #FamilyStories #WeMakeChildrensBooks #Storycomic On this episode of We Make Children’s Books, I’m joined by Diane Debrovner and Stacy Cervenka, co-authors of the middle-grade novel Roxie in Color, published by Candlewick Press. Roxie in Color follows Roxie, a seventh grader starting over at a new school. Roxie loves her parents, but she is tired of being defined by their blindness. At her old school, people did not always see Roxie clearly — they saw “the girl with the blind parents.” So when her family moves to a new town, Roxie decides to keep her parents’ blindness a secret from her classmates. She also avoids telling them that she may have inherited the same eye condition that caused her mother’s vision loss. For a while, Roxie is happier than she has ever been. But secrets have consequences, and when her lies and omissions lead to a visit from Child Protective Services, Roxie has to decide whether she can be honest with her friends, her family, and herself. The novel also includes chapters from the point of view of Roxie’s mother’s guide dog, giving readers a fresh and moving way into the family’s world. We talk about blind parenting, sighted children of blind parents, disability representation, accessibility in book design, middle-school identity, and the everyday ordinariness — and joy — of families with disabled parents.   The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at [email protected]   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devline, Benjamin Hunting, Samantha Kolber, Frank Walk, Mark Bell, Alexis E. Fajardo, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ https://www.dieboldcomics.com/ https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/ https://benjaminhunting.com/ https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/ https://www.pigmacast.com/ https://plaguedoctorpress.com/ https://kidbeowulf.com/

On this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by my recurring podcast friends Kurt Sasso and Jeff Haas for our quarterly podcasting roundtable. Every few months, we get together to talk about the real behind-the-scenes work of podcasting: what’s working, what’s changing, what tools we’re using, what’s frustrating us, and what we’re learning from the guests, creators, and audiences we serve. Podcasting is more than just hitting record. It involves booking, preparation, interview flow, audio quality, editing, publishing, promotion, consistency, and the challenge of keeping your creative energy up over time. In this roundtable, we talk openly about the practical and creative sides of making shows — from what makes a good guest conversation to how podcasters can keep growing without losing the joy of it. We’ll also look at how the podcasting landscape is shifting, including video, social clips, AI tools, newsletters, community building, and the continuing challenge of discoverability. If you host a podcast, want to start one, guest on podcasts, or simply enjoy hearing how independent creators keep their shows moving, this conversation is for you.   #Podcasting #PodcastRoundtable #Podcasters #PodcastTips #PodcastLife #PodcastCommunity #IndiePodcasting #ContentCreation #CreatorTalk #InterviewPodcast #PodcastGrowth #PodcastGuests #Storycomic #KurtSasso #JeffHaas Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at [email protected]   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devline, Benjamin Hunting, Samantha Kolber, Frank Walk, Mark Bell, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ https://www.dieboldcomics.com/ https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/ https://benjaminhunting.com/ https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/ https://www.pigmacast.com/ https://plaguedoctorpress.com/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

Mark Bell returns to Storycomic Presents to talk about his newest Kickstarter, S.P.I.R.I.T. #1–4: Mothman Needs Us! The campaign brings readers into the world of S.P.I.R.I.T., an all-ages supernatural comic about a group of teen girl paranormal investigators who use science to explore, question, and sometimes debunk the unexplained — until the unexplained starts talking back. With issue 4, Mark brings in Mothman, one of the most famous cryptids in American folklore. The campaign pitch promises an LGBTQ+ all-ages supernatural adventure where a group of teen girls help Mothman and a drag queen save a bus full of kids. That mix of cryptid weirdness, humor, action, and heart is exactly what makes Plague Doctor Press comics so much fun. We talk about why Mothman is such a perfect fit for S.P.I.R.I.T., how Mark balances spooky material with all-ages adventure, how queer characters and community fit naturally into the story, and what it takes to keep an indie comic series moving from issue to issue. If you like ghosts, cryptids, young investigators, found family, and indie comics with heart, this is a Kickstarter to watch. #MarkBell #PlagueDoctorPress #SPIRITComic #MothmanNeedsUs #Mothman #KickstarterComics #IndieComics #AllAgesComics #LGBTQComics #SupernaturalComics #CryptidComics #ParanormalComics #ComicCreator #Storycomic #ComicsInterview The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at [email protected]   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devline, Benjamin Hunting, Samantha Kolber, Frank Walk, Mark Bell, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ https://www.dieboldcomics.com/ https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/ https://benjaminhunting.com/ https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/ https://www.pigmacast.com/ https://plaguedoctorpress.com/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

On this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by bestselling author and former attorney William Bernhardt to talk about his book The Superman Wars: A Battle for Truth, Justice, and an American Icon. Most people think they know the story of Superman. William Bernhardt argues that they don’t. Behind the world’s first superhero is a decades-long fight by co-creator Jerry Siegel to reclaim credit, dignity, and justice after corporations made billions from the character he helped create. Drawing on newly uncovered legal documents and interviews with people who had never spoken publicly before, Bernhardt explores how Superman became what some call the “original sin” of the comic book industry. This is more than a behind-the-scenes comic book story. It is an American history about creativity versus commerce, power versus persistence, and what happens when artists lose control of the work that defines them. We talk about who Jerry Siegel really was, how much of him lives inside Clark Kent, the role of Joanne Siegel, the legal battle over Superman, and why “truth, justice, and the American way” becomes especially complicated when you look at how Superman’s own creators were treated. With new Superman and Supergirl films bringing fresh attention to the icon, this conversation could not be better timed. #WilliamBernhardt #TheSupermanWars #Superman #JerrySiegel #JoeShuster #ComicBookHistory #ComicsHistory #SupermanHistory #CreatorRights #TruthJustice #AmericanIcon #DCComicsHistory #AuthorInterview #Storycomic #ComicBooks The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at [email protected]   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devline, Benjamin Hunting, Samantha Kolber, Frank Walk, Mark Bell, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ https://www.dieboldcomics.com/ https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/ https://benjaminhunting.com/ https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/ https://www.pigmacast.com/ https://plaguedoctorpress.com/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

On this episode, I’m joined by award-winning author N. West Moss to talk about her middle-grade debut, Birdy, on sale February 17, 2026. Birdy follows eleven-year-old Birdy and her younger brother, Mouse, after the death of their mother. The two siblings have always been a team: Birdy is realistic and protective, while Mouse is trusting and hopeful. But after their mother dies of cancer, they are forced to leave the city and move to the country with relatives they’ve never met. Their new home with Aunt Mitzie and Uncle Shadow is messy, warm, chaotic, and unfamiliar. There is food in the kitchen, room to play outside, and adults who seem to care. Mouse begins to feel at home. Birdy, however, can’t let herself trust it — because their social worker has promised to find them a permanent placement by the next school year. We talk about writing grief for young readers, the bond between siblings, the fear of trusting adults after loss, and how family can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places. This is a heartfelt conversation about resilience, belonging, and what happens when a guarded child starts to hope. #NWestMoss #Birdy #MiddleGradeBooks #KidsLit #ChildrensBooks #ComingOfAgeNovel #SiblingStories #FoundFamily #GriefInKidLit #BooklistStarredReview #FosterCareStories #FamilyStories #AuthorInterview #WeMakeChildrensBooks #Storycomic The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at [email protected]   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devline, Benjamin Hunting, Samantha Kolber, Frank Walk, Mark Bell, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ https://www.dieboldcomics.com/ https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/ https://benjaminhunting.com/ https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/ https://www.pigmacast.com/ https://plaguedoctorpress.com/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!