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JUNKET: Hidden Worlds Revealed — Building Myth, Meaning & Indie Worlds with Ray Reynet On this episode of The USDN Podcast, we’re joined by Ray Reynet — independent comic creator, writer, illustrator, animator, and founder of Farlook Studios. Ray is the creator of JUNKET: Hidden Worlds Revealed, a creator-owned comic series that blends mythology, faith, adventure, and bold cartooning with the spirit of classic comics. Inspired by creators like Jack Kirby and Darwyn Cooke, JUNKET has earned a cult following in Florida comic shops and is now expanding into animation, short films, and other media. In this conversation, we explore: • Building an indie comic from the ground up • The realities of self-publishing and creative independence • Storytelling across comics, animation, and myth • Why creator-owned worlds matter now more than ever This episode is a deep dive into the mindset, process, and perseverance behind modern independent comics. 🔗 CONNECT WITH RAY REYNET Instagram (Creator): https://www.instagram.com/rayreynet/ Instagram (Studio): https://www.instagram.com/farlookstudios/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Farlook-studios Website: https://farlookstudios.com/ Store: https://farlook-store.myspreadshop.com/ JUNKET Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGQWPC1J The USDN Podcast — Where indie comics come to life. 

🎙️ USDN INTERVIEW: Alim Leggett — Every Panel Counts: Building The Diary of Sweet Pea Hello there — I’m The Chairman, and this is The United States Department of Nerds, where indie comics come to life. This week, the council sits down with Alim Leggett, the creator, writer, and art director behind The Diary of Sweet Pea. In a powerful and introspective conversation, Alim unpacks his creative philosophy, the emotional core of his work, and why he believes every panel counts. We dig into the origins of Sweet Pea, a story about grief, memory, and unintended power, following a young girl whose loss manifests into something far larger than she understands. From art direction and visual language to production management, fatherhood, and creative balance, this episode is a masterclass in intentional storytelling. With a Kickstarter campaign launching in March, Alim also shares how crowdfunding allows him to protect the heart of the story — not dilute it. If you’re passionate about indie comics, creator ownership, and stories built with purpose, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🔗 Follow & Support Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetpeacomic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetpea_comic/ Kickstarter (Pre-Launch): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sweetpeacomic/the-diary-of-sweet-pea-1-3?ref=profile_created&category_id=250&tab=prelaunch-updates 🎙️ The USDN Podcast — Where indie comics come to life.

LAST GEN: The Rise of a New Superhero Generation In this episode of The United States Department of Nerds, The Chairman is joined by Matt Jasso and Ray MacKay to discuss LAST GEN, a bold new superhero team rising out of The Remnant Universe. The conversation explores legacy, pressure, and identity as a new generation of heroes steps out of the shadow of icons like Atoman and Atomic Thunderbolt. From the massive 92-page LAST GEN #0 to the team’s first mission in LAST GEN #1: “Pest Problem,” this interview breaks down how character, creativity, and indie spirit power the series. We also discuss fan participation, visual storytelling, and what the future holds for LAST GEN and The Remnant Universe. 🔗 Links Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/grokcomics/last-gen/description Tribulation Task Force: https://www.tribulationtaskforce.com/#/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grokcomics YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CyiworldwideInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/raymackaywrites/ 🎧 Subscribe for more indie comic interviews, creator spotlights, and deep dives into the worlds shaping the future of comics. 🎙️ The United States Department of Nerds — where indie comics come to life. #indiecomics #comicinterview #indiecomiccreators #lastgen #theremnantuniverse# #mattjasso #raymackay #superherocomics #indiesuperheroes #comicpodcast #usdnpodcast #comicbookcommunity #creatorinterview #indiecomicspotlight #kickstartercomics #comicbooktalk #comicfans #indiecomicscene #comicbookyoutube 

In this episode of The United States Department of Nerds, The Chairman welcomes Nathan Rouse, aka Mr. Unchainedunlimited, creator of JUPITERMAN and the ambitious shared universe known as The Idolverse. Nathan joins the Council of Nerds to discuss his journey as a creator, the importance of inclusive representation in comics, and why JUPITERMAN — an Indigenous Native American tribal hero — was the perfect character to launch a universe built on identity, culture, and purpose. This episode explores the responsibility of storytelling, the power of indie comics, and how creators can build worlds that truly matter. If you’re passionate about independent comics, diverse heroes, and meaningful storytelling, this episode is for you. 🔗 OFFICIAL LINKS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mr.unchainedunlimited Instagram (Idolverse): https://www.instagram.com/idolverze/ Instagram (Mr. Unchainedunlimited): https://www.instagram.com/mr.unchainedunlimited/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@mr.unchainedunlimited Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/idolverze.bsky.social 📌 Subscribe for more indie comic interviews 👍 Like & Share to support independent creators 💬 Comment and join the Council of Nerds The United States Department of Nerds — where indie comics come to life.

🎙️ From Art to Darkness: Lloyd Cheatham on Brother To The Night This episode of The United States Department of Nerds features artist and self-publishing creator Lloyd Cheatham, the force behind Cheat Designs and AngryArtist74. Lloyd joins The Chairman to discuss his creative journey, using art as emotional expression, and the creation of his self-published indie comic Brother To The Night — a story rooted in darkness, purpose, and personal truth. We explore his artistic identity, the challenges of self-publishing, and what it means to build stories that resonate beyond the page. 🦇 Topics Covered: • Artistic origins and creative identity • Emotional storytelling through comics • The world and themes of Brother To The Night • The realities of self-publishing indie comics • Advice for creators and supporters alike Support indie creators.The USDN Podcast - Where indie comics come to life. 🔗 CONNECT WITH THE CREATOR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngryArtist74Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheat_designs TikTok: @cheat_designs

Walking Dead with Superhumans: The World of Flamevolt with Bruno Catarino In this episode of The United States Department of Nerds, the Chairman welcomes back comic creator Bruno Catarino to talk about his latest project, Flamevolt Issue #1 — a brutal, cinematic indie comic described as The Walking Dead with superhumans. Bruno dives into the inspiration behind Flamevolt, how his previous projects shaped this new series, and the creative process behind building a world driven by survival, power, and humanity. We explore the themes, visual identity, and why Issue #1 serves as a powerful entry point for new readers. The conversation also covers the Flamevolt Issue #1 Kickstarter, what backers can expect, and why supporting indie comics at the crowdfunding stage is more important than ever. If you’re passionate about indie comics, creator-owned storytelling, and discovering the next big voice in comics — this episode is for you. 🎨 Guest: Bruno Catarino 📘 Project: Flamevolt Issue #1 🚀 Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/redwulfcomics/flamevolt-1-walking-dead-with-superhumans?ref=profile_saved_projects_live&category_id=Q2F0ZWdvcnktMjUw The United States Department of Nerds — where indie comics come to life.

🎙️ USDN Podcast Interview: Michael J. Williams Writing Balance, Editing Power & Building Indie Comics That Last On this episode of The USDN Podcast — Where Indie Comics Come to Life, we’re joined by Michael J. Williams, comic writer, editor, screenwriter, and Editor-in-Chief at Inked Studios. Michael has worked with Advent Comics, Grok Comics, Champion Comics, Alter Ego Arts, Super Serious Comics, Mazzi Productions, and has assisted on 40+ crowdfunding campaigns, contributing to projects connected to Wesley Snipes, Austin St. John, and Justin Gray. We dive deep into: Balancing writing, editing, and marketing as an indie creatorWhat makes a Kickstarter campaign succeedBuilding creator-owned worlds like Wild Oni and Iron JaguarEmbedding philosophy, mythology, and accountability into comicsThe current state — and future — of indie comicsMichael also shares insights from hosting the Comics’N’Poptarts podcast, mentoring through the Mississippi Gulf Coast Writers Guild, and advice for creators striving for sustainability in a demanding industry. 🚀 Support Michael J. Williams 🔗 Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sweetpeacomic/the-diary-of-sweet-pea-1-3 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mixchael_f4thght/ 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mjfloriocomics4life 🎧 Subscribe to The USDN Podcast New interviews spotlighting indie comic creators, crowdfunding projects, and creator-owned storytelling. 🎙️ The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life

Six Fifteen Comics: Creating Black Heroes, Culture, and Community On this episode of The USDN Podcast — Where Indie Comics Come to Life, we’re joined by Malcolm McFadden, creator and writer of Six Fifteen Comics, to talk independent comics, creative inspiration, and his latest Kickstarter project The King’s Domain #1–2. Malcolm is a hip hop artist, writer, and audio engineer from Annapolis, Maryland, whose passion for comics began at a young age and evolved into a creator-owned comic company focused on telling dope, authentic stories centered around Black characters. Drawing inspiration from icons like Batman, Static, and Spider-Man, Malcolm blends real-life experiences with bold comic book storytelling. In this conversation, we explore: The creative origins of Six Fifteen ComicsThe story and meaning behind the name “Six Fifteen”How music influences comic book storytellingBuilding an indie comic brandA Kickstarter spotlight on The King’s Domain #1–2Advice for aspiring comic creators🚀 Kickstarter The King’s Domain #1–2 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sixfifteencomics/the-kings-domain-1-2 🔗 Connect with Six Fifteen Comics Instagram: @sixfifteencomicsFacebook: Sixfifteen ComicsTwitter/X: @615comicsTikTok: @yoanerd 🎙️ The USDN Podcast — Where Indie Comics Come to Life.

🎙️ USDN PODCAST INTERVIEW — MARK BERTON Into the Heart of the Unknown: Cryptid Horror, Conspiracies & AROUGHCOUNE Author and former journalist Mark Berton joins the United States Department of Nerds Podcast to discuss Aroughcoune, a chilling cryptid horror novel that blends secret government experimentation, survival horror, Indigenous folklore, and ethical consequences rooted in reality. Set in the wilderness of Western Pennsylvania, Aroughcoune explores what happens when science pushes too far — and when ancient knowledge collides with modern secrecy. In this episode, we discuss: The real-world inspiration behind AroughcouneCryptids born from government experimentsJournalism’s influence on believable horrorSurvival horror in isolated environmentsFolklore as a counterbalance to scienceEthics, secrecy, and consequencesWhat’s next for Mark BertonThis isn’t just horror — it’s horror that feels possible. 🔗 FEATURED LINKS 🌐 Official Websites https://www.markberton.com https://www.roswellpublishing.co.uk 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/markbertonauthor 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/FrogElixir 🧵 Threads https://www.threads.net/@FrogElixir 🦋 Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/markberton.com 🎧 USDN PODCAST Exploring the strange, the dangerous, and the unknown. The USDN Podcast — Where Indie Comics Come to Life. #USDNPodcast,#MarkBerton,#Aroughcoune,#CryptidHorror,#IndieHorror,#HorrorAuthors,#FolkHorror,#CreatureHorror,#ConspiracyFiction,#WeirdHorror,#IndieBooks,#PodcastInterview,#HorrorCommunity,#SupernaturalFiction

🎙️ Indie Comics Spotlight: Evan Quiring Talks Murder City Devil & Lucha Mystery | USDN Podcast In this episode of the USDN Podcast, The Chairman sits down with Evan Quiring, creator of Murder City Devil and Lucha Mystery, to talk noir horror, masked mythology, and over 20 years of grinding in indie comics. From Winnipeg, Manitoba to working with publishers like Antarctic Press, Dynamite, Markosia, and Big Bang Comics, Evan shares his journey as a writer/artist, the challenges of freelancing, and what it means to finally see his creator-owned series picked up by Studio Comix Press in 2025. We cover: The creation of Murder City DevilThe pulp-inspired world of Lucha MysteryVisual storytelling, process, and toolsSurvival, discipline, and advice for indie creatorsThe USDN Podcast — Where Indie Comics Come to Life. 🔗 Evan Quiring Links YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@psyclonecomicsstudios Website: https://www.psyclonecomicsstudios.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psyclone_comics_studios/ Studio Comix Press: https://www.instagram.com/studiocomix/ #IndieComics,#EvanQuiring,#MurderCityDevil,#LuchaMystery,#IndieComicsPodcast,#CreatorOwnedComics,#ComicCreatorInterview,#NoirComics,#HorrorComics,#LuchaLibreComics,#MaskedHeroes,#PulpComics,#StudioComixPress,#FreelanceComicArtist,#WriterArtistComics,#USDNPodcast 

🎙️ USDN PODCAST — Indie Comic Spotlight: Grinding Against The Marrow w/ Snake | USDN Podcast Interview Creator of Grinding Against The Marrow “In every town, there’s a darkness people pretend not to see. A walkway they don’t walk down. A story they’re too afraid to hear. But sometimes… a storyteller shows up who’s willing to drag that story into the light.” This episode of the USDN Podcast features Snake — the UK indie comic creator behind Grinding Against The Marrow, a raw, poetic, street-level character drama published by Markosia. The story follows Soma, a homeless ex-junkie Muslim woman navigating the violence, prejudice, and claustrophobic hostility of her hometown. Blending parkour-driven action, poetry-infused narration, and brutal realism, Grinding Against The Marrow is quickly earning attention for its honesty, movement, and emotional weight. In this conversation, we explore: • The origins of Grinding Against The Marrow • Creating Soma and writing survival with authenticity • Using poetry as narrative muscle, not decoration • Building the oppressive world of Marrow • Working with Markosia and Webtoon Canvas • Audience feedback and creator growth • What’s next for Soma — and for Snake This is a story born from fractures — and shaped by resilience. The USDN Podcast — Where Indie Comics Come to Life. This is The Chairman, and the Council of Nerds is adjourned. 🔗 GUEST LINKS 📖 Grinding Against The Marrow (Webtoon): https://www.webtoons.com/en/canvas/grinding-against-the-marrow/list?title_no=1025007 📸 Scott Matthew Watson (Snake) — Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snake87smw/ 🛒 Publisher (Markosia): https://markosia.com/2025/10/17/grinding-against-the-marrow-1-on-drivethrucomics-and-comixology/

Quickwire Creator Matthew Jasso Talks Phantom Hawk, Apogee Comics & Indie Superheroes | USDN Podcast ⚡🦅 THIS WEEK ON THE USDN PODCAST We sit down with Matthew Jasso, the mind behind the lightning-charged comedy of Quickwire and the shadow-soaked vengeance of Phantom Hawk Resolute from Apogee Comics. From reckless speedsters to brutal vigilantes, Jasso’s storytelling proves that indie comics don’t stay in one lane — they dominate all of them. ⭐ Featured Titles Quickwire #1 – “Electron Dance” A fast, hilarious, high-charge superhero debut starring Tyler Bao — a snack-loving speedster who never expected to become a hero. Phantom Hawk Resolute #1 A dark vigilante rebirth filled with conspiracies, violence, and personal vengeance as Phantom Hawk targets Baseline Pharmaceuticals. 🎤 What We Discuss: Building comedy, action, and emotion in QuickwireCrafting a darker vigilante world in Phantom Hawk ResoluteJasso’s writing processThe creative evolution of Apogee ComicsThe USDN Final Question🔗 Follow Matthew Jasso YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJassoman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejassoman/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthewjasso 🔗 Follow the USDN Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@USDN_PodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/usdepartmentofnerdsTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/usdn_chairman 🎙️ The USDN Podcast — Where Indie Comics Come to Life. ⚡🦅 The Council of Nerds is adjourned.

HEAVY METAL WORLDS & MUTANT WARLORDS — Jason Lenox on Lords of the Cosmos #5 Enter the cyber-fantasy wasteland of Lords of the Cosmos #5, where mutant warlords, mythic warriors, biomechanical nightmares, and 80s-infused chaos collide. The Chairman sits down with creator and illustrator Jason Lenox to explore the origins of the series, the new arcs introduced in Issue #5, the explosive war on Aiden, and the meticulous line-art process that defines Lenox’s unmistakable style. This episode dives deep into: • The birth and evolution of the LOTC universe • Mistress Zemba’s rising popularity • “Aliens meets Ninja Turtles” — the Pulse storyline • Building an 80s world for modern readers • Fan-created characters and the dual-campaign strategy 🔗 OFFICIAL LINKS — SUPPORT & FOLLOW JASON LENOX Indiegogo (Lords of the Cosmos #5): https://www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/jasonlenox/lords-of-the-cosmos-issue-5 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lenoxartist/ Press & Reviews: https://jasonlenox.com/pressandreviews/ The USDN Podcast — Where Indie Comics Come to Life.

🎙️ USDN Podcast — “Horror Unbound” feat. Francisco Hnilo (@fah_draws) The Chairman returns with another deep-cut dive into the world of modern horror comics — from Boom Studios nightmares to Image Comics psychological terrors. Artist & storyteller Francisco Hnilo joins the Council to break down the books redefining fear in the 21st century. 🔥 Topics Covered: • Boom Studios’ domination of modern horror • Psychological dread vs supernatural terror • Experimental horror from Bad Idea & IDW Dark • Image Comics creators rewriting the genre • Underrated indie horror comics you should be reading • Francisco Hnilo’s must-read horror recommendation 📚 Featured Titles & Publishers: Boom Studios — Be Not Afraid, Grim, Hello Darkness, SIKTC, House of Slaughter, When I Lay My Vengeance Upon Thee, The Graveyard Club: Fresh Blood, Marian Heretic Oni Press / EC Comics — Blood Type, Catacombs of Torment, Epitaphs from the Abyss, Plague House Bad Idea & IDW Dark — Cul-De-Sac, Event Horizon: Dark Descent, The Exorcism at 1600 Penn Image Comics — Exquisite Corpses, Hyde Street, Fashion School Serial Killer, Sleep, Universal Monsters, W0rldtr33, Mommy Blog, The Deviant, Creepshow, Blood Train Indie Highlights — Lilith, Monsters, Don’t Run With Scissors, Masterminds, Vatican City, Let This One Be A Devil, Seance in the Asylum, Grimm Tales of Terror, The Nice House by the Sea 📌 Follow the Guest: Instagram: @fah_draws 🕯️ Keep the lights dim, keep your comics bagged… and remember: curiosity is the beginning of every horror story. #HorrorComics, #USDNPodcast, #HorrorUnbound, #ComicBookPodcast, #BoomStudios, #ImageComics, #IndieComics, #HorrorFans, #JamesTynionIV, #HorrorCommunity, #PodcastInterview, #ComicBookReviews, #DarkHorseComics, #VaultComics, #HorrorArt, #GraphicNovels

ATRIUM #1 — Inside the High-Stakes Thriller | Steve Bynoe Interview | Comix Asylum x USDN Podcast In this episode of the USDN Podcast, The Chairman sits down with Steve Bynoe — writer, educator, Editorial Director at Comix Asylum, and co-creator of the action-suspense thriller ATRIUM #1. ATRIUM marks Comix Asylum’s transition from covering comics to creating them, delivering a high-stakes, cinematic miniseries where a single donor heart becomes the center of a deadly chase. 🔥 ABOUT ATRIUM #1 Paramedics Naomi and Darnell are tasked with transporting a donor heart to a mysterious patient. But when a storm derails their route and a deadly strike team ambushes them, their mission turns into a desperate fight for survival — from city streets to the dark subway tunnels below. A five-issue miniseries packed with tension, action, and character-driven storytelling, ATRIUM blends the energy of The Transporter with grounded, relentless suspense. 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: • The creation and development of ATRIUM #1• Comix Asylum’s shift from journalism to publishing• Building a cinematic, action-suspense comic• Assembling the creative team:– Steve Bynoe (Writer)– Peter Van Horne (Writer)– Lucas Filappi (Artist)– Nikos Koutsis & Mike Toris (Colorists)– Gregory Parkin (Letters)• What readers can expect from the 5-issue series• Future plans for Comix Asylum 📲 FOLLOW STEVE BYNOEInstagram: @stevebynoeartTwitter/X: @SteveBynoe47 📡 FOLLOW COMIX ASYLUMInstagram: @comixasylumFaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/comixasylumWeb site:  https://www.comixasylum.com/ 📢 INDIE CREATORS — WANT TO BE ON THE SHOW?Email: [email protected] 🎧 LISTEN & WATCH This episode is available on:✔️ YouTube✔️ All major podcast platforms via Transistor✔️ Facebook (Live Replay) ⚖️ OUTROThis is The Chairman…and the Council of Nerds is adjourned. #ATRIUMComic, #ComixAsylum, #SteveBynoe, #IndieComics, #CreatorOwnedComics, #ComicCreators, #ComicBookInterview, #USDNPodcast, #ActionThrillerComics, #IndieComicPublishing, #LucasFilappi, #NikosKoutsis, #MikeToris, #GregoryParkin, #ComicBookCommunity