Two Geeks Talking

Four Seasons of Fear Isn't Like Other Horror Anthologies Stacked Deck Press: Tara Madison Avery & Michael Varrati

Tara Madison Avery and Michael Varrati break down how they built Four Seasons Of Fear a year‑long tour through queer horror with 24 LGBTQ+ comics creators, and why horror is one of the most flexible tools for talking about identity, community, and fear. They get tactical about choosing contributors, shaping stories around holidays and seasons, editing for emotional truth without losing the weird edges, and what thinking in panels and pages taught them after years of scripts and edits. You’ll also hear them unpack misunderstood assumptions about the horror genre, share the films and series that shaped their taste, spotlight niche queer horror comics and movies you should actually seek out, and walk through the Kickstarter campaign that’s turning this anthology into a reality.

Chris Stall On Building CHK Comics AHA! Anthology | The Hard Truths About Deadlines

Chris Stall, co‑founder of CHK Comics, breaks down how he and Kris Mendoza built AHA! (A Horror Anthology) as their flagship project—curating new indie horror voices, juggling creative and business brains, and running a Kickstarter that won’t become “another unfulfilled campaign.” He shares how they chose their creators, what this book says about the future brand of CHK Comics, and the hard truths he wishes more indie creators understood about deadlines, professionalism, and pitching. The conversation dives into horror influences, current “horror diet,” and introspective questions on success, failure, legacy, and what it really takes to make an anthology that actually ships.
 

Atom Freeman Comics The Magazine & Prana Direct Market Solutions

Atom! Freeman has been playing the long game in comics market for 30+ years, and now he’s betting big on something everyone wanted but no one was executing: a physical magazine you actually pick up in your LCS. Comics The Magazine is the print-native answer to an overwhelmed direct market—giving retailers a plug‑and‑play discovery engine and giving potential customers and comic creators a real platform for interviews, previews, and business‑side insight Gen Z can actually act on. If you’re a creator, publisher, or shop owner who wants to stop complaining about algorithms and start owning attention—this episode breaks down how to partner with Prana, how to think about the next 10 years of comics, and why asking for help is the actual flex.

The End of an Era: Long John Rides into the sunset with Dan Bethel

Dan Bethel, a comic creator, shares his perspective on the journey of "making comics" and the importance of simply starting. He discusses how the "fear of failure" often prevents creators from pursuing their passion, emphasizing that perseverance is key to "personal growth." This motivational conversation highlights that the biggest reward in "making a comic" is the act of creation itself, pushing you to do more.

John Wick Meets Dante’s Inferno: Jeff Haas on M.A.L.E.K. Reigning Devil

Jeff Haas, host of Traversing The Stars, steps fully into creator mode with his brutal, mythic comic series M.A.L.E.K. Reigning Devil—think John Wick meets Dante’s Inferno. This episode dives into how Jeff blends high-octane action with literary and theological depth from an Atheist perspective. How Jeff has evolved as a writer, and builds a cosmic revenge story that still feels human. We also unpack the realities of indie comics, lessons learned from interviewing Star Trek Academy actors and Comic Legend Jeff Lemire. Finally the collaboration and self-promotion of the M.A.L.E.K. Kickstarter and how you can support Jeff’s work now and in the future.

Don't Forget About It! Turning Mafia History Into Dust Bunny Mafia Comics: Bret Juliano

Bret Juliano creator of such comics as Dust Bunny Mafia, Detective Potatoes, Mobimals; dives into mafia history, all-ages comics. We discuss the business of building a comics brand in this punchy, story-packed conversation. Breaking down turning reality of true crime, obscure historical figures, and everyday inspirations into engaging, character-driven comics. In this episode, Bret shares how he balances historical accuracy with storytelling when exploring mafia culture and walks through the evolution of his all-ages noir series “Detective Potatoes”, "Dust Bunny Mafia" and "Mobimals". 

Forged in Fire Judge Doug Marcaida on Creating His Comic Book Legacy

Doug Marcaida is a healer, veteran, martial arts master, weaponsmith, and judge on Forged in Fire. Now, he’s bringing his philosophy from the dojo to the comic page with his brand-new series Lineage — a story that explores heritage, honor, and healing through art and combat. In this deep-dive conversation, we unpack Doug’s mindset, creative process, and personal transformation — from bladesmithing to storytelling. Expect wisdom, heart, and a few unexpected lessons about legacy, energy, and what it really means to “Keep Everyone Alive.

Making Comics Kids Remember: Trevor Mueller on Secret S.T.E.A.M. Society and Bat Pat

Trevor Mueller returns to talk about Secret S.T.E.A.M. Society: Horses, Secret S.T.E.A.M. Society: Music; and Bat Pat—how he designs “learn through adventure” stories that kids actually want to read; What he’s learned as a dad writing for not only his children but all young readers, and how childhood favorites shaped the comics he creates today. We dig into balancing wonder, critical thinking and education, building characters like Toot and the main characters of these stories that open conversations about empathy and inclusion, and what it really means to make books kids will remember decades from now.

Lyndon Radchenka The Laundrymen Book 2 and Why You Should Be an Indie Comic Creator

Lyndon Radchenka returns to Two Geeks Talking with a packed update: writing a Zatanna short for DC Comics, launching The Laundrymen: Book 2 – Blood of the Saucer Men, and navigating the shifting comics landscape from both the indie and mainstream sides. In this conversation, we dig into what actually changed for him after working with DC, how that experience rewired his approach to creator‑owned work, what it’s really like juggling roles as writer, producer, and letterer, and how he thinks about the current state of comics for insiders and smart outsiders alike. If you care about building a sustainable creative career, understanding today’s comic ecosystem, and seeing how one working writer is adapting in real time, this episode is for you.

Why Comic Creators Are Flocking to Source Point Press: Dirk Manning

Dirk Manning returns to Two Geeks Talking for his 11th interview, bringing 20+ years in horror comics (Tales of Mr. Rhee, Nightmare World, Write or Wrong) and over $750,000 raised through crowdfunding. Now Publisher at Source Point Press, Dirk breaks down how their creator‑owned model works, why keeping rights and the freedom to leave matters, and what most writers and artists get wrong about self‑publishing and the direct market. If you care about owning your work, understanding the current comics landscape, and making smarter long‑term decisions as an independent creator, this episode is for you.