The Divergent Comics Podcast

From Self-Study to Mainstream Success: Interview with Nigel

In this episode of the Divergent Comics podcast, I sit down with comic book creator Nigel Lynch, the writer behind Critical Ops Task Force and several other exciting projects. We dive deep into the craft of comic storytelling, exploring everything from character development and world-building to pacing, page composition, and creating memorable moments that keep readers hooked. Nigel shares the inspirations that shaped his creative journey. We discuss how to build compelling characters with unique motivations, balance action with meaningful storytelling, and weave tension, humor, and social commentary into a comic narrative. We also explore the realities of creating independent comics, including collaborating with artists, handling feedback and criticism, running Kickstarter campaigns, and pitching stories in a competitive industry.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview 00:31 - Nigel Lynch’s background and journey into comics 01:57 - Would You Rather? super strength vs super speed discussion 03:25 - Preferences for handling heat and cold in stories 04:17 - Favorite TV series vs favorite movies challenge 05:09 - Inspiration behind becoming a comic book writer 06:30 - Influential comics: Punisher Max and The Walking Dead 07:56 - Writing style: storytelling without reliance on captions 09:04 - Genre preferences: action, science fiction, and beyond 10:22 - Humor, levity, and serious moments in comics 13:39 - Nigel’s favorite part of his writing process 15:04 - Overcoming writer’s block and story flow techniques 17:36 - Top Marvel movies—Guardians, Endgame, and more 20:58 - Development of Critical Ops Task Force’s universe and themes 23:24 - Characters in Critical Ops Task Force: inspirations and traits 29:15 - Crafting character personalities and dynamics 33:01 - Creating layered characters like Jess and Rosetta 39:15 - Kickstarter campaign details for Critical Ops Task Force Volume One 40:54 - Future projects and related works in the same universe 45:13 - Advice for submitting stories to Wise Acre Comics 48:46 - Closing remarks, social links, and where to find Nigel’s workResources & Links: Links  https://www.beyondpublishingcaribbean.com/ [https://www.beyondpublishingcaribbean.com/] https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/akoma/critical-ops-task-force-volume-1?ref=nav_search&result=project&term=%20ops%20task%20force&total_hits=3 [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/akoma/critical-ops-task-force-volume-1?ref=nav_search&result=project&term=%20ops%20task%20force&total_hits=3] https://wiseacre.us/buy-comics [https://wiseacre.us/buy-comics] https://www.instagram.com/thenigelverse/ [https://www.instagram.com/thenigelverse/]

Community, Identity, and Creativity: Interview with Mark Bandy

In this episode of the Divergent Comics podcast, I sit down with Mark, creator of Psion, a supernatural thriller blending mystery, conspiracy, and Southern Gothic influences. We discuss his journey from engineering student to comic creator, the inspiration behind Psion, the importance of representation in comics, and how community and identity shape his storytelling.  00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:01:30 - Discussion on Supporting Black Independent Creators 00:02:50 - Mark's Background and Journey to Writing 00:04:30 - Overview of Scion and Its Themes 00:06:50 - Influences and Inspirations for Scion 00:09:00 - Would You Rather Segment Begins 00:09:30 - Perfect Gift vs. Receiving What You Want 00:10:50 - Unlimited Vacation Days vs. Guaranteed Raise 00:12:00 - Telekinesis vs. Telepathy 00:13:30 - Catalyst for Creating Comics 00:17:00 - The Impact of HBCUs on Mark's Life 00:20:30 - The Importance of Community and Representation 00:25:00 - Character Development: John Lewis 00:30:00 - Exploring the Southern Gothic Genre 00:32:30 - Crimson Sleeper Studios: Origin of the Name 00:35:00 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/crimsonsleeper/psion-2-a-southern-gothic-thriller-48-pages-full-color?ref=ct9px2 [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/crimsonsleeper/psion-2-a-southern-gothic-thriller-48-pages-full-color?ref=ct9px2] https://www.instagram.com/crimsonsleeperstudios?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== [https://www.instagram.com/crimsonsleeperstudios?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]

From Comics to RPGs: Interview with Matthew Bradley

In this episode of the Divergent Comics podcast, I sit down with Matt of Birdseye View Comics to discuss his comic Biorhythm, a sci-fi epic where a cosmic event sparks the evolution of humans and animals, leading to a clash between two emerging species. We explore his journey into comics, the themes and inspirations behind his work, upcoming projects, and his vision for expanding Biorhythm into a tabletop RPG. 00:01:30 - Getting to Know Matt 00:02:30 - Would You Rather Segment 00:11:00 - Story Overview of Biorhythm 00:14:30 - Political Themes in Biorhythm 00:16:30 - The Evolution of the Title 00:18:00 - Other Projects by Matt 00:20:30 - Impact of Biorhythm on Readers 00:23:00 - Biorhythm as a Tabletop RPG 00:24:30 - Medium Adaptation Preferences 00:26:00 - Advice for New Comic Creators 00:27:30 - Where to Find Matt and His Work 00:28:00 - Conclusion and Farewell https://www.instagram.com/matthewbradley238?igsh=MWNiaGg0Mnl3eGNlNg== byrdseyeviewcomics.com

How Life Influences Art: A Conversation with Chris Bickham

In this episode of the Divergent Comics podcast, I talk with indie comic creator Chris Bickham, creator of Hatui — a futuristic series blending action, political tension, and hybrid human-animal rebels fighting for survival. We discuss Chris’s journey into comics, the life experiences that shaped his storytelling, his creative process, and the future of the series. Plus, we mix in some laughs, creative insight, and advice for aspiring comic creators. If you’re into indie comics and thought-provoking worldbuilding, this is an episode worth checking out. 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:01:23 - Chris's Journey into Comics 00:03:36 - The Impact of Life Experiences on Art 00:06:43 - Favorite Vegetables Segment 00:07:34 - Getting in the Creative Zone 00:09:09 - Storyline and Political Undertones 00:12:08 - Character Development and Growth 00:14:09 - Inspiration Behind the Story 00:17:50 - Artistic Choices: Black and White vs. Color 00:19:37 - Future Plans for "Hatui 00:20:53 - Potential Side Projects 00:24:53 - Advice for Aspiring Comic Creators 00:26:06 - Dream Comic Series to Rewrite 00:29:55 - Closing Remarks and Where to Find Chris * Instagram: chris_infamy80 * TikTok: chrisinfamy80

From Spite Projects to Supermassive Success: Interview with Don Mancha III

Summary In this episode of the Divergent Comics podcast, I sit down with indie comic creator Don, the mind behind Supermassive Hover Biome. We dive into his creative journey, the origins of his publisher name Revenge Audit, and the mix of humor, absurdity, and heartfelt friendship dynamics that shape his webcomic. Don also talks about inspirations like Powerpuff Girls, his approach to subtle storytelling, and upcoming projects including Maho Grindhouse and Subpar Soul Worker. If you love indie comics, weird humor, and behind-the-scenes creative insight, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast 00:02:24 - The Name "Revenge Audit" 00:04:49 - Inspiration for Writing Comics 00:07:13 - Eclectic Tastes in Media 00:10:24 - Supermassive Hover Biome Overview 00:13:45 - Humor in Supermassive Hover Biome 00:16:33 - Character Dynamics 00:19:21 - Powerpuff Girls Influence 00:23:42 - Narrative Techniques 00:29:22 - Future Plans for Supermassive 00:31:03 - Upcoming Projects 00:34:19 - Thoughts on Publishing 00:37:39 - Animated Adaptations Links Super massive hover biome main: https://www.revengeaudit.com/super-massive-hover-biome.html [https://www.revengeaudit.com/super-massive-hover-biome.html] Revengeaudit.com: https://www.revengeaudit.com/ [https://www.revengeaudit.com/] Socials: https://www.instagram.com/revengeaudit/ [https://www.instagram.com/revengeaudit/].    https://www.instagram.com/donmanchaiii/ [https://www.instagram.com/donmanchaiii/]