Former member of the DC Comics publicity team Michael Shelling pulls back the curtain on what it's like generating buzz for major comic book launches and universe-wide events, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from campaigns he worked on and explaining the day-to-day responsibilities of comic book publicity in an increasingly crowded media landscape. Michael reveals the relationship between publicity teams and creative talent, discusses campaigns that exceeded expectations alongside those that didn't go as planned and the lessons learned, and reflects on the most challenging aspects of marketing comics versus other entertainment.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hive Head Studios founder Dennis Robinson recounts how he went from #comics fan to creator, explaining the vision behind launching his own studio and introducing Lycan: Solomon's Odyssey, an epic supernatural adventure following the world's first werewolf, Solomon, on a journey that blends horror and action-adventure. Dennis details what backers can expect from Chapter 4—currently live on Kickstarter—including where it fits in the overall story arc and whether he's building toward a definitive ending or crafting an ongoing saga. He also introduces his creative team, describing their collaborative process from script to finished art, and shares what distinguishes his take on werewolf mythology from other supernatural comics.

Go back Lycan: Solomon's Odyssey Chapters 1-4 right now: http://kck.st/4rIDtbA. You can follow Dennis and Hive Head at hiveheadstudios.com or on Instagram @hiveheadstudios or @worldsmostokayestdm.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Malibu Comics founder and Platinum Studios CEO Scott Mitchell Rosenberg traces his path from launching one of the most innovative independent publishers of the 80s and 90s—pioneering computer coloring technology and creating the ambitious Ultraverse shared superhero universe—to becoming a major player in Hollywood adaptations with properties like Men in Black and Cowboys & Aliens that became blockbuster films. Scott reveals the story behind Malibu's groundbreaking titles, the decision to sell the company to Marvel in 1994, and his strategic pivot to founding Platinum Studios with a focus on developing intellectual properties specifically designed to work across both #comics and film/television. He reflects on memorable collaborations, projects that never made it to screen, what he's most proud of from the Malibu era, the biggest lessons learned from running a comic company during the industry's tumultuous 90s, and how the relationship between comics and Hollywood has evolved.

You can follow Scott and Platinum Studios at platinumstudios.com or on Instagram @scottrosenberg.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Forged in Fire judge and blade expert Doug Marcaida, known for his iconic "It will KEAL" catchphrase, shares how he transitioned from martial arts and weapons expertise into creating comics. He introduces his series Lineage, which blends his authentic knowledge of combat and edged weapons into a compelling narrative with rich world-building and mythology. Doug explains the concept and inspiration behind Lineage, introduces the main characters and tone of the book, and details his current Kickstarter campaign for issues #2-4. He addresses how his expertise influences the authenticity of the action sequences, the challenges of creating his own comic series, and potential expansion into other media like games or animation.

You can back Lineage on Kickstarter until 3/16 here: http://kck.st/4s63TE2. And you can follow Doug practically everywhere, including his site, dougmarcaida.com, Facebook @kuyaDougMarcaida, and Instagram @dougmarcaida.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special combined two-part interview, manga pioneer and Antarctic Press founder Ben Dunn shares the story of establishing one of America's first manga-focused publishers in 1984 and creating the long-running Ninja High School series in 1987. He reflects on how American audiences responded to manga-style storytelling in the 80s and 90s versus today and the challenges of sustaining a creator-owned series for over 100 issues. Ben also talks about his diverse body of work including Warrior Nun Areala—which was adapted into a Netflix series—and his innovative educational manga teaching spelling and grammar, while explaining Antarctic Press's approach to discovering and developing talent over nearly four decades. He offers perspective on the biggest challenges of running an independent publisher, what he's most proud of in his career, his view of the current state of manga and manga-inspired comics in America.

You can follow Ben on his site, bendunncomics.com, on Facebook @BenDunn or on Instagram @bendunn25.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Returning guest Joseph Illidge reflects on his deep roots with the groundbreaking Milestone initiative that launched in 1993 with iconic characters like Static, Icon, and Hardware, tracing the lineage from the original Milestone Media through its integration into the DC Universe. We focus heavily on his just-released History of the DC Universe: Dakota Incident, which bridges different eras and continuities, breaking down what the "Dakota Incident" refers to and its significance to the Milestone story, his collaboration with other creators, and what both new readers and longtime fans will discover in the book. He addresses why Milestone's legacy remains vital to comics history, the challenges of keeping it alive and relevant over the years, and what he hopes audiences will take away from this latest chapter.

You can follow Joe on his site, josephillidge.com, or on Instagram @illmasterone.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

World-renowned candy and snack food historian Jason Liebig, featured expert on the History Channel, discusses his journey from discovering #comics to building one of the most extensive vintage candy and snack packaging collections in existence. Liebig explores the strong connection between comics and candy culture through vintage advertisements and character tie-ins and shares memorable and surprising items from his collection, including the weirdest time-specific products he's uncovered. He also reveals the grail items still on his wish list, discusses what drives him to preserve this often-overlooked pop culture history through his website and social media, and offers advice for aspiring collectors.

You can follow Jason on his site, jasonliebig.com, or on Instagram @collectingcandy.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In today's interview, Steve Houston of Torpedo Comics discusses his journey from comic book collector to shop owner and television expert. He shares the origin story of Torpedo Comics and what makes his Las Vegas store unique, particularly his specialization in high-value and graded books that led to his role as the go-to comics expert on History Channel's Pawn Stars. Steve reveals memorable moments from the show including rare and valuable finds, explains how appearing on one of television's most popular programs has changed his business, and breaks down his process for authenticating and appraising high-value comics. He highlights undervalued books and creators people should watch, addresses common misconceptions about the business, and reflects on how the industry has evolved.

You can follow Steve on Instagram @stevesaysboom and Torpedo Comics virtually everywhere @torpedocomics.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.