Behind the Panels — Episode 9 | Building Community, Mental Health & Creative Spaces

Behind the Panels — Episode 9 | Building Community, Mental Health & Creative Spaces

In Episode 9 of Behind the Panels, we switch things up for a special conversation with Ashley Alvarez (Apothic Ash) — an event organizer, creative, and advocate for mental health and community building. This episode goes beyond comics and dives into something just as important for creators: Having a space to connect, create, and take care of yourself. Ashley shares her journey of creating events that bring together artists, gamers, cosplayers, and creatives from all backgrounds — building environments where people can network, collaborate, and simply feel seen. In this episode, we discuss: * The importance of community in the creative space * How events can spark collaborations and long-term connections * Mental health, burnout, and navigating creative pressure * The impact of isolation and the need for real human interaction * Creating safe spaces for artists to express themselves * Turning passion into purpose through events and outreach We also touch on real conversations around depression, self-doubt, and how creators can channel those experiences into their work instead of letting it define them . This episode is a reminder that while creating can sometimes feel like a solo journey — community is what keeps it alive. 🎙️ Subscribe to Behind the Panels for real conversations with creators, innovators, and community builders shaping the indie space and beyond.

Behind the Panels — Episode 8 | What Makes a Comic Sell? ft. Todd Rayner

In Episode 8 of Behind the Panels, we sit down with Todd Rayner, owner of Dark Space Studios and creator/artist behind the Luke Bloody Tooth series. We dive into his latest project, Luke Bloody Tooth #3, now live on Kickstarter, and explore the world he’s building across his connected titles Icepick and Annabelle — all part of the same dark and evolving universe. Beyond the projects, this episode shifts into a deeper conversation about the question every creator eventually faces: What actually makes a comic sell? In this episode, we discuss: * The story and world behind Luke Bloody Tooth, Icepick, and Annabelle * Building a connected comic universe * The importance of first impressions and cover design * What makes readers pick up a book * Concept vs execution * Presentation, branding, and audience perception * The balance between quality storytelling and market appeal Selling a comic isn’t just about having a great idea — it’s about how that idea is presented, positioned, and delivered to your audience. If you’re an indie creator, comic fan, or someone looking to understand what separates books that move from those that don’t, this episode offers real insight from both a creative and strategic perspective. 🩸 Support Luke Bloody Tooth #3 on Kickstarter 🎙️ Subscribe to Behind the Panels for in-depth conversations with independent creators about storytelling, craft, and the realities of building in the indie comic space.

Behind The Panels Ep. 7 | How Comic Creators Collaborate, Build Stories & Stay Productive

In this episode of Behind The Panels, we sit down with an incredible group of creators from across the comic industry to talk about the power of collaboration, creator routines, and the projects they’re building. Joining us on the panel: 🎨 Nicholas Ladendorf – artist and creator of the Webtoon series Retcon, where we dive into his creative process, storytelling approach, and how he’s building his world in the Webtoon space. ✍️ Justin Quizon & Earl Baylon – co-writers behind Doug Marcaida’s Lineage comic series. We talk about their collaborative writing process, working within an established universe, and what it takes to bring a project like Lineage to life. Along the way we discuss: • The importance of collaboration in comics • Creator routines and how artists and writers stay productive • What it takes to build and sustain a project • Behind-the-scenes insights into their current work And somewhere along the way… we also discover everyone’s favorite Taco Bell menu items 🌮😂 Because sometimes the best conversations happen when creators just sit down and talk. If you're a creator, comic fan, or someone building your own project, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

Behind the Panels — Episode 6 | Why We Create, Rewriting Stories & Indie Horror

Episode 6 of Behind the Panels dives into the heart of storytelling — why creators feel compelled to build worlds, and what it really takes to revise, refine, and evolve a story before it ever reaches readers. Joining the conversation: 🩸 Chris, creator of Fear The Incisors — a horror series exploring tension, atmosphere, and the darker edges of imagination. 🪓 Jonathan Colton of Colton Comics — creator of Paul Bunyan vs Dracula and Three Brothers Gruff, bold reimaginings of folklore and legendary figures with a modern twist. Both projects are currently live for backing on FundMyComics.com [http://FundMyComics.com]. In this episode, we explore: * Why creators feel driven to tell the stories they tell * Horror and myth as reflections of personal perspective * The emotional side of storytelling * The art of revision and rewriting * Killing your darlings and strengthening your work * Growth through editing and creative evolution Creating isn’t just about having an idea — it’s about refining it, reshaping it, and being willing to challenge your own work in pursuit of something stronger. If you’re an indie creator, horror fan, or someone passionate about storytelling craft, this episode offers insight into the creative process behind the panels. 🎙️ Subscribe to Behind the Panels for in-depth conversations with independent comic creators about storytelling, growth, and what it truly takes to bring an idea to life.

Behind the Panels — Episode 5 | Retail Insight, Indie Publishing & Power Hour

In Episode 5 of Behind the Panels, we sit down with Shawn Hudachko, owner of Comics Elite and creator/publisher of the Power Hour series. This conversation bridges both sides of the comic industry — retail and creation. Shawn shares insight from his experience running a comic retail/resell business while also building his own publishing projects. We discuss the development of Power Hour, the realities of bringing a book to market, and what it truly takes to move from creator to shelf placement. In this episode, we dive into: What retailers actually look for in indie comic submissions Common mistakes creators make when approaching comic shops How retail margins and wholesale realities work The importance of cover design and presentation Building relationships with local comic stores The balance between creativity and business strategy If you’re an independent creator trying to understand how to get your book into stores — or a fan curious about what happens behind the retail counter — this episode delivers real-world insight from someone who operates on both sides of the industry. Creating the book is only part of the journey. Getting it into readers’ hands is where the real work begins. 🎙️ Subscribe to Behind the Panels for in-depth conversations with independent creators, retailers, and industry professionals exploring the creative and business realities of comics.