Comic Industry Insiders

In this episode of Comic Industry Insiders, host Atom Freeman leads a roundtable discussion with guests Tiffany Babb, Jazzlyn Stone, Dave Witting, and Chip Zdarsky on the evolution of comics journalism, the significance of print media in a digital age, and the challenges faced by digital comics

Find CHIP ZDARSKY:

https://www.zcnmagazine.com/

Find TIFFANY BABB

https://www.tiffanybabb.com/

Find DAVE WITTING

https://www.csnpress...

Surprise! We got our B.R.O.S. in your Comics Industry Insiders as the Data B.R.O.S. (Django Bohren, Jeff Figley, and Brian Garside) talk to their friend and fellow retailer Shannon Merrit of 901 Games.

You'll learn about his amazing Memphis store 901 Comics, as well as the other SEVEN businesses he has a hand in. You'll hear how this former Memphis Police Officer decided to turn in his badge and gun and walk a very different beat.

...

Find CHRIS ARRANT

https://www.thepopverse.com/

CHAPTERS

02:50 Chris Arrant's Background and Early Influences

06:10 The Evolution of Comics Journalism

09:09 Reading Comics: Perspectives and Biases

12:01 The Eisner Awards Experience

15:05 Freelancing and Early Career in Comics

17:58 The Shift in Comics Journalism

20:48 Navigating Bias in Journalism

23:54 Transitioning to Full-Time Comics Journalism

27:00 The Current State of Com...

Find SAL CRIVELLI:

YouTube: @comicpop

Instagram: @comicpopofficial

patreon.com/comicpop

https://www.twitch.tv/comicpop

CHAPTERS

03:03 The Love for Comics

05:57 Generational Influence of Comics

09:01 Sal's Journey into Comics

11:50 Early Inspirations and Failures

14:56 Transition to Film and YouTube

18:03 Creating Content and Building a Channel

21:09 Reflections on Success and Engagement

26:46 The Algorithmic Nature of Engagemen...

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

0...

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 Bir...

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 Distr...

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 Transitionin...

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

36:5...

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 Jimm...

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...

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 Wildstor...

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

...

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 ...

Find JOSHUA LILES:

https://joshliles.com/

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to the Experiment

02:04 The Role of Support in Creative Endeavors

05:05 Embodied Integration: A Unique Service Practice

11:28 Navigating Post-Psychedelic Experiences

24:02 Josh's Journey: From Yoga to Integration Coaching

32:05 Navigating Life's Challenges: A Journey Through Yoga and Change

35:42 The Search for Guidance: Disappointment and Discovery

41:05 La...

Find JIM VALENTINO:

https://imagecomics.com/

Instagram: @imagecomics/

FB: @imagecomics/

Twitter: @imagecomics 

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 

02:57 The Legacy of Ken Krueger

05:57 Jim Valentino's Early Life and Career

12:14 Draft Dodging and Its Impact

17:57 The Formation of Comic-Con

24:05 Friendship with Rob Liefeld

29:50 The Birth of Image Comics

36:05 The Evolution of the Comic Industry

43:34 The Challenges of ...

Find MARK DE VERA:

https://yenpress.com/

Instagram: @yenpress

FB: @yenpress 

Twitter: @yenpress

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-de-vera-04315540/

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to the Comic Industry and Mark De Vera

06:03 Growing Up in Hercules, California

11:57 Theater and the Arts in High School

17:46 Internship Experience at Viz Pictures

24:03 Early Career Challenges and Growth

30:16 The Transition from Intern to Tea...

Find BRIAN HIBBS:

https://www.comixexperience.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/ComixExperience/

Instagram: @comixexperience/ 

YouTube: @ComixExperience 

Newsletter: https://tr.ee/z5v87iWoEH 

Graphic Novel Club: https://www.comixexperience.com/graphic-novel-club/ 

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Setup

06:04 Challenges of Independent Retailers

11:56 The Evolution of Brian's Store

17:56 Reflections on the Comic Industry

31:38 The Bu...

Find ARANCIA STUDIO:

https://www.aranciastudio.com/

Instagram: @aranciastudio

https://www.facebook.com/aranciastudiosnc/

CHAPTERS: 

00:00 Introduction and Setup

03:04 The Journey of Davide Caci

06:02 Studio Arancia: Bridging Cultures in Comics

09:08 The Evolution of Studio Arancia

12:11 The Role of Agents in the Comic Industry

15:04 Young Davide: The Early Influences

17:56 The Drive Behind Davide's Career

31:00 The Passion ...