What does it really take to build an independent comic book business? How do you turn a love of storytelling into original comics, music, merchandise, and a community of dedicated fans? On this episode of Talkin' Comics Podcast, AJ Reimann sits down with Matt Knowles of Insymmetry Creations for a conversation about independent comics, creative collaboration, comic conventions, Kickstarter campaigns, and the journey of building an original fictional universe. Matt shares how his creative journey began in the underground metal music scene before expanding into comic book storytelling. He explains how music and comics can work together to tell bigger stories, why independent creators need to think carefully about merchandise and convention appearances, and how Kickstarter helps creators connect directly with their supporters. We also dive into the world of Tatsumi, the Serpent Mistress, an action-packed fantasy comic featuring a determined female lead, supernatural enemies, pirates, and a story that continues to evolve in unexpected ways. Plus, we talk about the importance of relatable characters, strong female protagonists, finding your audience in the indie comic community, and learning from every convention along the way. What's your favorite independent comic book series? Have you ever backed a comic on Kickstarter? And if you're an aspiring creator, what kind of world would you want to build? Let us know in the comments! Host: A.J. Reimann https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast Guest: Matt Knowles: Writer / Musician / Content Creator / Emcee / Panel Host As a musician, writer, and convention personality, Matt Knowles (Aka: #TopHatMatt) has dipped his toes into many different creative pools over the years. He is no stranger to being in the public eye, having fronted metal bands, done sports announcing, and he's also a panel host / convention emcee. He's one half of #TeamINSYM that has produced such comic titles as HEIRS OF ISILDUR, TATSUMI: THE SERPENT MISTRESS, MISFITZ CLUBHOUSE, I AM QIDO, and TALES FROM NOCTURNIA, plus multiple metal music albums that tie back into the printed offerings. CHECK OUT THE KICKSTARTER NOW! Only a couple days left!! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/insymmetrycreations/tatsumi-the-serpent-mistress-1-4-a-swashbuckling-adventure 🚀 Don’t Miss Out 🗯️Find our comic books, merch, trading card art, and more!: https://www.talkincomics.com/ 📰Sign up for our newsletter 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/ 🎥 🎞️ We Didn't Just Make a Comic... We MADE the Comic. Hit the Notify me on lunch to support this documentary made by Talkin’ Comics Podcast! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641500179/we-didnt-just-make-a-comic-we-made-the-comic 🫵 Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingComicsPodcast 📚 Follow Our Journey Into Comics 👫 Family Friendly 🎙 Creator Conversations 🦸🏼 Learning to Write & Draw 👉 Order The Chronicles of Panel Pete and more at https://www.talkincomics.com/category/comics Sponsors: • Allegra Printing – Printing The Chronicles of Panel Pete 👉🖨 For your comic book printing needs please visit Allegra Traverse City (Tell them AJ Sent You) https://www.allegramarketingprint.com... Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Meet Matt Knowles of In Symmetry Creations 01:26 Indie Comics, Original Titles & Tatsumi 03:29 Meeting at IC3 First Coast Comic Con 05:24 Building a Comic Creator Brand 06:33 How a Power Outage Inspired New Artwork 08:47 Why Creator-Focused Comic Conventions Matter 10:22 Growing an Indie Comics Business 10:38 New Projects, Horror Festivals & Comic Shows 14:06 Comic Convention Strategy & Merchandise 16:25 Finding the Right Events for Indie Creators 18:51 Free Comic Book Day & Connecting With New Fans 20:52 Planning Future Conventions 21:37 How In Symmetry Creations Began 25:22 Connecting Music With Comic Book Storytelling 27:34 Collectible Music, CDs & Vinyl 29:11 Building Worlds Beyond the Comic Book Page 31:52 Matt's Journey From Metal Music to Comics 34:58 Music Industry vs. Independent Comics 36:40 Kickstarter, Fan Support & Creative Independence 37:51 Building a Community Around Your Work 39:05 First Comic Memories & Transformers Nostalgia 42:53 Favorite Comics, Superpowers & Comic Universes 51:08 The Story Behind Tatsumi, the Serpent Mistress 54:38 Why Tatsumi Is Becoming a Seven-Issue Story 55:12 Strong Female Characters & Realistic Storytelling 58:04 Vulnerability, Emotion & Character Development 59:17 Final Thoughts With Matt Knowles #TalkinComicsPodcast #IndieComics #ComicBookCreators #KickstarterComics #ComicCon Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: TUQVYOUIDMZY19RF
