The United States Department of Nerds Podcast

Bruno Catarino Returns | Crimson Bay #2

Bruno Catarino returns to the USDN Podcast to discuss Crimson Bay Issue #2, the latest installment in his creator-owned martial arts comic series inspired by classic fighting games, action cinema, and crime dramas. In this episode, Bruno shares how Crimson Bay has evolved since its debut, the importance of balancing action with character development, building an original comic universe, collaborating with artist Samuel Donato, and the lessons he's learned through crowdfunding on Kickstarter. We also explore the challenges of launching original intellectual property, the opportunities presented by public domain characters, convention pitching, and what the future holds for Crimson Bay and Bruno's growing catalog of creator-owned comics. If you're passionate about indie comics, comic book writing, Kickstarter campaigns, martial arts storytelling, or creator-owned publishing, this episode is packed with practical insights and behind-the-scenes discussion from an experienced independent creator. Support Crimson Bay Issue #2 Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/redwulfcomics/crimson-bay-1-2-fatalfury-action-cobrakai-character-drama [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/redwulfcomics/crimson-bay-1-2-fatalfury-action-cobrakai-character-drama?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Follow Bruno Catarino: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/brunocatarino.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/brunocatarino.bsky.social] Connect with USDN 🌐 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/USDN_Podcast 📧 Business Inquiries:  thechairman@usdnpodcast.com Support USDN 🛒 BCW Supplies Affiliate Link https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdn Use Code: USDN We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links. The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.

Panopticon, Surveillance, and Indie Comics with Matt Stevens

Panopticon, Surveillance, and Indie Comics with Matt Stevens What happens when a prison doesn't need guards because the prisoners believe they're always being watched? This week on the USDN Podcast, Jeff "The Chairman" Fountain welcomes writer, artist, and creator Matt Stevens to the Council of Nerds to discuss Panopticon, a psychological science fiction comic that explores surveillance, memory, identity, freedom, and the systems that shape human behavior. Matt shares the inspiration behind Panopticon, the philosophy that influenced the story, his journey into creator-owned comics, founding Dark Web Comics, launching the project's Kickstarter campaign, and what's next with Panopticon: The Chasm. Whether you're a fan of indie comics, science fiction, psychological thrillers, or creator-owned publishing, this episode offers an insightful look into the creative process behind one of indie comics' most thought-provoking new series. Guest Links Panopticon: https://www.panopticoncomic.com [https://www.panopticoncomic.com/] Dark Web Comics: https://www.thedarkwebcomics.com [https://www.thedarkwebcomics.com/] Late Pledges: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/panopticoncomic/panopticon-1 [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/panopticoncomic/panopticon-1] Read Issue #1 Free: https://embed.macroverse.com/portal/019d9496-2048-7299-8a67-b5d88ceb30ea [https://embed.macroverse.com/portal/019d9496-2048-7299-8a67-b5d88ceb30ea] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/panopticoncomic/ [https://www.instagram.com/panopticoncomic/] Dark Web Comics Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarkwebcomics_/ [https://www.instagram.com/thedarkwebcomics_/] Support USDN Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@USDN_Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@USDN_Podcast] Support USDN Through BCW Supplies: https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdn [https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdn] Use Coupon Code: USDN Save 10% on your retail order while supporting the USDN Podcast. USDN receives a 5% commission when coupon code USDN is used on qualifying purchases. This has been the USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.

Michael Barron & Jack Van Thomme - The Secret Lives of Demon Hunters | Indie Horror Comics

Writer Michael Barron and artist Jack Van Thomme join The Chairman on the USDN Podcast to discuss The Secret Lives of Demon Hunters, a supernatural horror comic about marriage, monsters, hidden darkness, and the people who spend their nights hunting demons. In this episode, we talk about slice-of-life horror, the origin of The Secret Lives of Demon Hunters, building a world of demons and possession, horror storytelling in comics, writing satisfying endings, Kickstarter preparation, reward tiers, indie comic promotion, and the reality of launching a creator-owned comic. Ashley and Jordie may look like an ordinary married couple, but behind closed doors and beneath the surface of everyday life, they are fighting something far darker. The Secret Lives of Demon Hunters blends relationship-driven storytelling with supernatural horror, giving readers a grounded emotional core inside a world of demons, shadows, and secrets. Topics include: • The Secret Lives of Demon Hunters • Slice-of-life horror • Horror comics and supernatural storytelling • Demons, possession, and hidden darkness • Writer and artist collaboration • Building a horror world in 24 pages • Writing twists and satisfying endings • Kickstarter comics and crowdfunding • Indie comic promotion • Creator-owned storytelling Support The Secret Lives of Demon Hunters on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/secret-lives-hunters/the-secret-lives-of-demon-hunters-a-24-page-horror-comic [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/secret-lives-hunters/the-secret-lives-of-demon-hunters-a-24-page-horror-comic] Follow Michael Barron: https://www.michaelbarronauthor.com [https://www.michaelbarronauthor.com/] Michael Barron on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/barronauthor.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/barronauthor.bsky.social] Follow Jack Van Thomme: https://www.instagram.com/real_jackvt/ [https://www.instagram.com/real_jackvt/] Follow USDN: https://linktr.ee/USDN_Podcast [https://linktr.ee/USDN_Podcast] Business & Media Inquiries: thechairman@usdnpodcast.com [thechairman@usdnpodcast.com] The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come To Life

Sean Wood - The Fog Within #5 and the Next Evolution of His Indie Comic Universe

Sean Wood joins The Chairman and the Council of Nerds to discuss The Fog Within, his creator-owned post-apocalyptic comic series that blends science fiction, action, mystery, and time-bending adventure. With The Fog Within #5 launching on Kickstarter, Sean shares the origins of the series, how a simple run through a foggy day sparked the concept, the challenges of building a creator-owned comic universe, and the lessons he's learned from running multiple successful crowdfunding campaigns. The conversation explores worldbuilding, indie publishing, Kickstarter strategy, creator-owned storytelling, and the realities of building an independent comic career one issue at a time. Topics include: • The origins of The Fog Within • Worldbuilding and character creation • Kickstarter crowdfunding • Creator-owned comics • Indie publishing • Writing and storytelling • Building a comic universe • Lessons learned as an independent creator 🔗 FOLLOW SEAN WOOD Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sw6157/fog5 [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sw6157/fog5] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sean.wood.831677 [https://www.facebook.com/sean.wood.831677] ⚡ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL Looking for the best comic book supplies in the industry? BCW Supplies: https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=USDN [https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=USDN] Use Code: USDN We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate link at no additional cost to you. 🎙️ FOLLOW USDN Linktree: https://linktr.ee/USDN_Podcast [https://linktr.ee/USDN_Podcast] 📧 Business / Media Inquiries: thechairman@usdnpodcast.com [thechairman@usdnpodcast.com] The USDN Podcast - Where indie comics come to life.

Marco Vito Oddo & Victor Costa - Otherkin | Horror, Urban Fantasy & Creator-Owned Comics

How do two creators living in different countries build a creator-owned comic together? In this episode of the USDN Podcast, The Chairman sits down with writer Marco Vito Oddo and artist Victor Costa, the creative team behind OTHERKIN, an indie horror and urban fantasy comic series inspired by works such as Hellboy, Hellblazer, and Swamp Thing. The conversation explores the origins of Otherkin, how the project evolved from an abandoned video game concept into a long-form comic universe, the challenges of independent publishing, and the realities of creating a comic series across continents. Marco and Victor discuss worldbuilding, horror storytelling, character development, writer-artist collaboration, creator-owned comics, comic book influences, and the lessons they've learned while building Otherkin one issue at a time. Topics include: • The origins of Otherkin • Creator-owned comics • Horror and urban fantasy storytelling • Writer and artist collaboration • Building a long-form comic universe • Character creation and worldbuilding • Independent publishing challenges • Physical vs digital comics • The future of Otherkin • Advice for aspiring comic creators If you're a fan of indie comics, horror comics, creator-owned storytelling, and comic book creation, this episode is for you. FOLLOW MARCO VITO ODDO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcovito.oddo/ Substack: https://marcovitooddo.substack.com/ FOLLOW VICTOR COSTA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorcosta.art/ FOLLOW OTHERKIN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otherkin.comic/ USDN LINKS https://linktr.ee/usdnpodcast Business & Media Inquiries: thechairman@usdnpodcast.com BCW Supplies Affiliate Partner Need comic bags, boards, storage boxes, top loaders, comic collecting supplies, or shipping materials? Shop BCW Supplies: https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=USDN Affiliate Code: USDN Disclosure: USDN may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through this affiliate link at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us continue spotlighting indie comic creators and producing creator-focused content. The USDN Podcast - Where indie comics come to life.