Longbox Conversations

Chris Rundt
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Visual Arts
  • Weekly

Host Chris Rundt shares his passion for comics and the creators who make them happen. Every week he interviews a new comics creator and people adjacent to the industry to bring you insights on how they are made, what goes into funding and so much more. Find your new favorite comic and comic creator through these insightful interviews.

  1. 2h ago

    Why Newsprint Still Works for Comics & Love for the Bronze Age of Comics with Dakota Alexander

    In this conversation, comic creator Dakota Alexander joins host Chris Rundt to discuss the difficult, hands-on process of printing The Hunter on authentic newsprint, from a disappointing first run to a much-improved reprint. They also talk about managing a comics project independently, balancing creative work with life, lettering and editing, and navigating social media as a creator. Dakota Alexander and Chris Rundt discuss the crowdfunding campaign for his Bronze Age-inspired series The Hunter, its monster-of-the-week structure, and the hands-on approach he takes with backers and customers. They also talk about social media’s engagement incentives and debate episodic versus serialized storytelling in comics and television. Dakota Alexander’s Social Media: Instagram - @DrumsoftheSerpent FaceBook - @Dakota.Alexander.33 Threads - @DrumsoftheSerpent BlueSky - @DrumsoftheSerpent.BSky.social Kickstarter - Dakota Alexander https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thehuntercomic/the-hunter-2-malleus-maleficarum/description https://www.etsy.com/shop/drumsoftheserpent/?fbclid=IwY2xjawVLdhRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMXJ6bnJoMGowbGZwd2laVzZzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeQsV4WcgzkmJWG0KuCsesvntfplsNwKIpMRw71Uq2kS4Vv62og9cXRPmaBw8_aem_aNbZu9FpanFkp-3pZPuZuw#about Get your Longbox Conversations merchandise with the link below https://www.teepublic.com/user/longboxconversations/ LongboxConvo.com https://chriscomicscorner.substack.com/ YouTube.com/Longboxconversations Find Chris: https://linktr.ee/tacticalsquirrelmedia https://www.tiktok.com/@chriscomicscorner Time Stamps: 00:00 Meet Dakota Alexander and The Hunter 02:12 The first newsprint run misses the mark 05:22 A delayed printer, a flawed proof, and unexpected results 10:52 Finding a better printer for the reprint 15:00 Phone calls and print specifications improve the process 18:20 Comparing the reprint and refining the comic’s colors 23:36 Why Dakota took over the Kickstarter 28:15 The case for calling collaborators directly 35:29 Taking ownership of production and fulfillment 37:02 Learning lettering and getting outside editorial eyes 47:00 Social platforms, trolls, and where creators spend their energy 55:40 How creators handle criticism in person and online 57:30 A creator’s public voice, rumor responses, and social media attention 01:00:06 How arguing and outrage train engagement algorithms 01:04:56 Facebook’s snooze option and curating the feed 01:06:37 The Hunter campaign: early funding and reaching readers 01:09:24 Backer tiers, fan participation, and customer service 01:14:05 Respecting fans, collectors, and comic-book preferences 01:17:22 The Hunter #2: four Rougarou and a new antagonist 01:22:18 Monster-of-the-week arcs and Bronze Age pacing 01:26:24 Why word balloons and action on covers still work 01:30:22 Weekly cliffhangers versus self-contained episodes 01:38:03 When slow-burn stories ask too much of the audience 01:44:17 The Hunter’s vintage ads, campaign details, and where to find it Thanks for Listening!

  2. 2d ago

    Rise of the Crowdfunding Comic & Creating an Evel Knievel Comic Series with Rylend Grant

    In this conversation, Rylend Grant shares his journey from Hollywood to comics, his passion for Evel Knievel, and insights into the evolving landscape of indie publishing and crowdfunding in the comic industry. Rylend Grant’s Social Media: Instagram - @RylendGrant FaceBook - @RylendGrant X - @RylendGrant https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rylendgrant/evel-knievel-1-2-from-ringo-award-winner-rylend-grant/description Get your Longbox Conversations merchandise with the link below https://www.teepublic.com/user/longboxconversations/ LongboxConvo.com https://chriscomicscorner.substack.com/ YouTube.com/Longboxconversations Find Chris: https://linktr.ee/tacticalsquirrelmedia https://www.tiktok.com/@chriscomicscorner Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction to Rylend Grant and his work 00:35 Rylend Grant's journey from Hollywood to comics 01:04 Why he chose to focus on his own IPs 02:23 The success of Aberrant and Banjax 03:23 His approach to licensing and property selection 05:21 The story behind Evil Knievel project 06:42 Dealing with industry success and ego 08:48 The impact of Hollywood on his comic career 10:12 The indie and crowdfunding revolution in comics 13:44 The rise of Kickstarter and direct-to-consumer sales 16:40 The future of indie comics and market trends 22:30 Getting comics into local shops and libraries 30:09 The importance of passion and authenticity 47:39 Deep dive into the Evil Knievel comic and its history 54:30 The creative process and resourcefulness in research 56:33 Long-term potential for Evil Knievel series 01:00:00 Expanding the universe with spin-offs and crossovers 01:12:22 Final thoughts and how to support the project Thanks for Listening!

  3. 4d ago

    Building a 3D Printing Business & Helping Comic Creators Stand Out with Matt Griese

    In this conversation, Matt Griese, founder and owner-operator of WHAM! LABS talks about turning 3D-printed comic displays into a business serving indie creators, comic shops, and publishers. Matt explains how modular magnetic branding, careful production, and solving display problems help small sellers stand out and build community. Comic creator and WHAM! LAB maker Matt explains how his 3D-printed products help creators sell at conventions, retailers improve displays, and collectors organize and showcase their comics. He and host Chris Rundt walk through magnetic Whamblems, modular signage and pricing tools, custom projects, and the practical challenges of designing for 3D printing. WHAM! Lab’s Social Media: Instagram - @WHAMLabHQ YouTube - @WHAMLab TikTok - @WHAMLabHQ https://whamlab.net/ Get your Longbox Conversations merchandise with the link below https://www.teepublic.com/user/longboxconversations/ LongboxConvo.com https://chriscomicscorner.substack.com/ YouTube.com/Longboxconversations Find Chris: https://linktr.ee/tacticalsquirrelmedia https://www.tiktok.com/@chriscomicscorner Time Stamps: 00:00 How a mobile game community led to comic displays 03:07 Building products for indie creators and content makers 06:02 When early demand made WHAM! LAB feel like a business 08:30 Why interchangeable magnetic Whamblums matter 11:03 Licensing, custom work, and creator partnerships 14:31 Why 3D-print quality takes more than a printer 17:01 The time demands of content and convention marketing 21:14 Conventions, shop demos, and building relationships 25:30 Solving comic-shop display problems 28:50 Word of mouth takes WHAM! LAB around the world 32:31 Spinner racks help small creators stand out 34:27 Twenty iterations toward a practical, scalable design 36:58 Patience, persistence, and making useful products 39:06 Portable convention displays and custom Kickstarter rewards 42:16 How Whamblem magnets stay aligned 44:18 Magnet collectors and the comic-shop spinner rack idea 45:56 Retail displays, changeable signs, and business-card holders 49:07 Snap-together easel stands and modular pricing plates 53:16 What collectors can use at home 55:03 From comic props to photo displays and card accessories 57:26 Comic-box labels and storage add-ons 01:00:25 Why 3D printing takes more than pressing print 01:01:09 Custom Whamblems start with an idea 01:04:09 Where to find Matt and WHAM! LAB Thanks for Listening!

  4. 5d ago

    Clayface Review Chat *SPOILER ALERT*

    Chris Rundt and Mike Ricker reunite for a spoiler-filled discussion of Clayface, weighing its horror, tragic romance, body-horror set pieces, and connections to the DC universe. The two bring different perspectives: Chris draws on his longtime affection for Batman: The Animated Series and Clayface, while Mike contributes as a horror-film fan. Chris and Mike wrap up their spoiler-filled discussion of *Clayface*, praising its body-horror approach, character-driven origin story, and unsettling tension. They unpack Batman and DC Easter eggs, consider the film’s modest-budget success and future spin-offs, and compare its full horror identity with *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness*. Get your Longbox Conversations merchandise with the link below https://www.teepublic.com/user/longboxconversations/ LongboxConvo.com https://chriscomicscorner.substack.com/ YouTube.com/Longboxconversations Find Chris: https://linktr.ee/tacticalsquirrelmedia https://www.tiktok.com/@chriscomicscorner Time Stamps: 00:00 Chris and Mike reunite to talk horror 01:05 How they got into horror, and child-violence concerns 04:08 Spoiler warning and Clayface’s tragic tone 06:49 The slow reveal and the animated-series connection 08:23 Gotham’s goons, effects, and Hollywood as villain 12:48 DC geography, Wayne references, and Gotham’s corruption 15:53 The romance and the film’s most uncomfortable body horror 20:46 Clayface discovers his powers through the kills 23:44 The nightclub sequence and the Clayface mace 25:32 The final kills and live-action Clayface design 28:58 Could Clayface return in future Batman films? 30:03 Aaron Paul’s deleted Clayface origin scenes 30:45 Why Clayface’s origin belongs in body horror 32:08 The final encounter turns Gotham into a place of paranoia 33:29 Batman Easter eggs: Feats of Clay, Burton’s Batman, and One Bad Day 40:31 Gotham details and the film’s box-office potential 43:35 Final scores and why the horror feels uncomfortable 46:15 Clayface vs. Doctor Strange’s horror approach 50:23 Their recommendation and the year’s comic-book movies 52:14 Closing thoughts and what’s next on the show Thanks for Listening!

  5. Oct 23

    Dungeons & Dragons Helping Your Writing & Success in the Direct Market with T.S. Luther

    In this conversation, T.S. Luther shares insights on his journey as a comic book creator, the impact of Dungeons & Dragons on his work, and the realities of making a living in the comic industry. Discover how he leverages social media, the importance of cover art, and his upcoming projects like The Digger and Tokyo Fire. T.S. Luther’s Social Media: Instagram - @@T.S.Luther BlueSky - @CantBeKilledCreations.BSky.Social Threads - @T.S.Luther TikTok - @T.S.Luther YouTube - @T.S.Luther  Invader Comics’ Social Media: Instagram - @InvaderComics X - @InvaderComics BlueSky - @InvaderComics.BSky.Social FaceBook - @InvaderComics TikTok - @Invader.Comics Kickstarters - Invader Comics https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/invader/the-digger-eyes-of-the-devil-collected-trade-and-ttrpg? ref=discover_saved_projects&category_id=250 Get your Longbox Conversations merchandise with the link below https://www.teepublic.com/user/longboxconversations/ LongboxConvo.com https://chriscomicscorner.substack.com/ YouTube.com/Longboxconversations Find Chris: https://linktr.ee/tacticalsquirrelmedia https://www.tiktok.com/@chriscomicscorner Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:08 TS Luther's Creative Influences and Projects 02:27 Dungeons & Dragons as a Gateway to Comics 04:01 Playing and Pitching RPGs in Comic Creation 07:47 The Economics of Making Comics 12:09 Success Stories and Market Trends 16:14 Marketing and Building an Audience 19:48 The Impact of Major Releases and Market Timing 24:57 Educational Insights on Reading and Writing 30:08 The Future of Indie Comics and Projects Thanks for Listening!

  6. Oct 21

    Adult Swim Style Humor & Making the Comics You Want with Jeffrey Burandt

    In this conversation, Jeffrey Burandt shares the long journey of creating Gonad the Ballbarian, his unique blend of music and comics, and insights into self-publishing, marketing, and multimedia projects. Discover how passion, genre-blending, and strategic marketing can bring a comic from idea to audience. T.S. Luther’s Social Media: Instagram - @Jef_UK FaceBook - @JefWrites X - @Jef_UK Lunar Distribution Product Code: 0926PP1062  https://jefwrites.com/ Get your Longbox Conversations merchandise with the link below https://www.teepublic.com/user/longboxconversations/ LongboxConvo.com https://chriscomicscorner.substack.com/ YouTube.com/Longboxconversations Find Chris: https://linktr.ee/tacticalsquirrelmedia https://www.tiktok.com/@chriscomicscorner Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction to Jeffrey Burandt and Gonad the Balbarian 01:49 The origins of Gonad and its long development journey 04:05 Jeffrey's background in music and blending it with comics 07:58 Self-publishing, Kickstarter, and early career in magazines 11:53 Marketing, conventions, and building an audience 15:59 Working with SourcePoint and multimedia projects 22:04 The creative process and future stories for Gonad 29:57 The influence of genre, adult swim, and pop culture 38:05 Upcoming plans, signings, and multimedia ambitions 45:03 The importance of passion, fun, and audience targeting Thanks for Listening!

  7. Oct 19

    Creating a Comic Series for Yourself & Building an Artists Portfolio with Dave Swartz

    In this conversation, artist Dave Schwartz shares his journey creating Confederate Monsters, his approach to blending historical fact with fiction, and insights into his artistic process, including coloring techniques and cover strategies. David Swartz’s Social Media: Instagram - @DaveSwartzArt BlueSky - @DaveSwartzArt.BSky.Social X - @DaveSwartzArt Threads - @DaveSwartzArt Kickstarter - Dave Swartz https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/daveswartzart/confederate-monster-1-6?ref=profile_created&category_id=252 Get your Longbox Conversations merchandise with the link below https://www.teepublic.com/user/longboxconversations/ LongboxConvo.com https://chriscomicscorner.substack.com/ YouTube.com/Longboxconversations Find Chris: https://linktr.ee/tacticalsquirrelmedia https://www.tiktok.com/@chriscomicscorner Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction and guest introduction 00:37 Starting the Confederate Monsters journey 01:24 The evolution of the series over ten years 02:12 Ending the first arc and future plans 03:17 Exploring universal monsters in the series 05:29 Historical research and blending fact with fiction 06:54 Innovations in reanimation science in the story 10:25 Incorporating Native American folklore 12:28 Creating and promoting indie comics 13:49 Future plans for shorter stories and streamlined art 15:43 Color techniques and impact in black and white 16:54 Using color and contrast for horror and mood 24:33 Color palette choices for storytelling 25:34 Cover art decisions and campaign strategies 28:28 Collaborations with guest artists and variant covers 42:22 Partnership with Bent Box Comics and distribution 45:23 Transitioning from Kickstarter to stores 50:17 Promotion, social media, and community engagement 53:52 Final thoughts and project overview Thanks for Listening!

  8. Oct 16

    A Writer's Growth Journey & the Black Creator's Roadblocks with Devin Arscott

    In this conversation, Devin Arscott shares his journey through the comics industry, his work on Summit Comics, and insights into creating diverse and impactful stories. We discuss the importance of representation, the creative process, and the future of Black creators in comics. Devin discusses his latest project, Musings of a Writer, and how it not only showcases his growth but presents a bookmark for act one of his career. Devin Arscott’s Social Media: Instagram - @CBDevin95 BlueSky - @CBDevin95.BSky.Social X - @CBDevin95 Kickstarter - Devin Arscott Summit Comics’ Social Media: Instagram - @ReadSummit BlueSky - @ReadSummit.BSky.Social X - @ReadSummit Kickstarter - Summit Comics https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/devinarscottcomics/musings-of-a-writer-vol1-a-comic-process-book/description Get your Longbox Conversations merchandise with the link below https://www.teepublic.com/user/longboxconversations/ LongboxConvo.com https://chriscomicscorner.substack.com/ YouTube.com/Longboxconversations Find Chris: https://linktr.ee/tacticalsquirrelmedia https://www.tiktok.com/@chriscomicscorner Thanks for Listening!

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About

Host Chris Rundt shares his passion for comics and the creators who make them happen. Every week he interviews a new comics creator and people adjacent to the industry to bring you insights on how they are made, what goes into funding and so much more. Find your new favorite comic and comic creator through these insightful interviews.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Rundt
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Chris Rundt
  • Show Website
    Longbox Conversations