Storycomic Presents: Interviews with Amazing Storytellers and Artists

storycomic

This is your home for stories about comics or comic-based stories. We curate news and talk with storytellers and artists. We focus on children’s books, graphic novels, illustrations, and the people behind these works that bring joy and inquiry.

  1. 4d ago

    (Ep: 528) Alan Barillaro on Courage, Spirit Animals, and Storytelling in Pictures

    #AlanBarillaro #BunnsRabbit #BunnsRabbitII #TheReturnOfTheSpiritRabbit #MiddleGradeBooks #KidsFantasy #ChildrensBooks #IllustratedNovel #SpiritAnimals #FantasyAdventure #AuthorIllustrator #BookInterview #WeMakeChildrensBooks #Storycomic #KidsLit   On this episode, I’m joined by Alan Barillaro, author-illustrator and Academy Award–winning filmmaker, to talk about his upcoming book Bunns Rabbit II: The Return of the Spirit Rabbit. In this sequel, Bunns returns from her quest to find the Spirit Fox hoping to return to her quiet life with her family. But the Spirit Fox has other plans. A war is on the horizon, pitting the Spirits of the Sea and Wind against the Spirits of the Land and Fire — and somehow, one little rabbit may be the only one who can stop it. We talk about building a sequel that raises the stakes, how Alan blends prose, warm illustration, and graphic-style panels, and what it means to write a hero who is small in size but huge in responsibility. We also dig into the emotional themes behind the adventure: courage, identity, fear, family, and what happens when a character who feels different becomes the one everyone is counting on. If you love middle-grade fantasy, illustrated novels, spirit animal mythology, and big-hearted adventure stories, this conversation is for you. The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devlin, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ https://www.dieboldcomics.com/ https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/ https://benjaminhunting.com/ https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/ https://www.pigmacast.com/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

  2. 4d ago

    (Ep: 527) The Indie Comics Backlist Problem — And John Holland’s Smart Fix

    John Holland returns to the show to talk about the Die Bold Comics Digital Library, now moved to Fund My Comic, and why digital comics are such a smart way for readers to explore an indie creator’s back catalog. John has built a wide-ranging catalog through Die Bold Comics, with stories across horror, sci-fi, crime, fantasy, superhero, comedy, slice-of-life, and drama. The digital library campaign is designed to make those books easier to find, easier to buy, and easier to read — especially for people who have heard John on the show before but haven’t known where to start. We also talk about the realities of indie comics promotion: building a reader list, keeping older titles alive, packaging a catalog in a way that feels approachable, and using one campaign to build momentum for the next. If you’re an indie comics reader, a creator trying to figure out how to promote your backlist, or just someone who likes digital comics with no shipping headaches, this episode is worth a listen. #JohnHolland #DieBoldComics #FundMyComic #DigitalComics #PDFComics #IndieComics #ComicBooks #ComicCreator #ComicsInterview #CrowdfundedComics #SupportIndieComics #IndieCreator #ComicsCommunity #Storycomic #Backlist The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devlin, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ https://www.dieboldcomics.com/ https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/ https://benjaminhunting.com/ https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/ https://www.pigmacast.com/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

  3. Jul 23

    (Ep: 526) A Colorist Builds His Own Universe: Pigmacast Goes Full Creator

    #FrankWalk #Pigmacast #PigmacastStudio #Hellstones #IntoTheFray #KickstarterComics #IndieComics #CrowdfundedComics #SupernaturalComics #ActionComics #ComicCreator #ComicArt #Colorist #ComicsInterview #Storycomic On this episode, I’m joined by W. Frank Walk from Pigmacast Studio to talk about his Kickstarter project Hellstones: Into the Fray—a supernatural action comic about power, survival, and the cost of stepping into a fight that’s bigger than you think. (kickstarter.com ) Frank is a creator who wears multiple hats: he’s a writer/creator, and he’s also a digital colorist, with Pigmacast Studio serving as both portfolio and shop for his work. (pigmacast.com ) We talk about building the world of Hellstones, keeping action readable and character-driven, and how color choices change the emotional temperature of a scene. We also get into the practical side of crowdfunding—how he’s packaging the book, what he learned from making earlier Hellstones material, and what he hopes new readers take away from this first big entry point. (kickstarter.com ) If you like supernatural action, indie comics with strong atmosphere, and creator conversations that get into real process, you’ll have fun with this one. The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devlin, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ https://www.dieboldcomics.com/ https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/ https://benjaminhunting.com/ https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/ https://www.pigmacast.com/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

  4. Jul 23

    (Ep: 525) The Middle-Grade Dragon Book That Starts With “Wait… I’m a dragon?”

    #AmosJLandon #WaywardPlace #Fledgling #DragonEmperorSeries #Heir #MiddleGradeBooks #KidsFantasy #Dragons #IndieAuthor #IndieBooks #WomensFiction #WritingCommunity #AuthorInterview #BookTalk #Storycomic On this episode, I’m joined by indie author Amos J. Landon to talk about the stories he’s building right now—across both kidlit and adult fiction. Amos’s newest release is Wayward Place, which he describes as women’s fiction and “a great summer read,” centered on the idea that sometimes home isn’t what you expected. (amosjlandon.com ) We also dig into his middle-grade work, including Fledgling (Book One of The Dragon Emperor Series)—where Ash discovers he isn’t just the new kid… he’s actually a dragon. With dragon hunters closing in and new friendships forming fast, Ash has to accept what he is before the world decides for him. (amosjlandon.com ) And we talk about Heir (Book Two), where Ash ends up living in an ancient castle filled with dragons—only to realize the danger hasn’t stopped, and “the Order” may have someone on the inside. (amosjlandon.com ) If you like hearing how indie authors juggle genres, build long series, and keep writing even when life gets loud, this conversation is for you.   The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devlin, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ https://www.dieboldcomics.com/ https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/ https://benjaminhunting.com/ https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/ https://www.pigmacast.com/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

  5. Jul 16

    (Ep: 524) The Most Important Thing Washington Did After the War

    #BarbaraCarrollRoberts #WhenGeorgeWashingtonBowed #AnneYvonneGilbert #CreativeEditions #NonfictionPictureBook #KidsHistory #AmericanHistoryForKids #GeorgeWashington #RevolutionaryWar #AnnapolisMaryland #CivicEducation #Democracy #ReadAloud #BookInterview #Storycomic   On this episode, I’m joined by children’s author Barbara Carroll Roberts to talk about her new nonfiction picture book When George Washington Bowed to the New Nation, illustrated by Anne Yvonne Gilbert and published by Creative Editions (release date August 11, 2026). (barbaracarrollroberts.com) The book zooms in on a surprising moment after the Revolutionary War: Washington, celebrated commander of the Continental Army, resigns his commission—not as a formality, but as a public decision to give up power. Barbara traces Washington from New York City (after the last British troops depart) to Annapolis, Maryland, where he submits his resignation to the Continental Congress—an action that helped set the tone for a democracy led by civilians, not generals. (bookshop.org) We talk about the behind-the-scenes research—letters from witnesses, Washington’s own handwritten speech, and what it’s like turning big history into a book for young readers (recommended age 9+). (barbaracarrollroberts.com)   The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devlin, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ https://www.dieboldcomics.com/ https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/ https://benjaminhunting.com/ https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/ https://www.pigmacast.com/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

  6. Jul 9

    (Ep: 523) A Stuttering Main Character Done Right: Maggie’s Big Break

    #Jenniferdickinson #MaggiesBigBreak #MiddleGradeBooks #KidsLit #DebutAuthor #DisabilityRepresentation #StutteringAwareness #SpeechDifference #TheaterKids #SchoolPlay #FriendshipStories #ConfidenceBuilding #AuthorInterview #WeMakeChildrensBooks #Storycomic On this episode of We Make Children’s Books, I’m joined by debut middle-grade author Jennifer Dickinson to talk about Maggie’s Big Break This book is equal parts funny and deeply human—a sixth-grade friendship story with big theater energy, and a standout example of disability representation: Maggie is an 11-year-old aspiring actress who stutters, and the story treats her speech difference with respect, accuracy, and heart. Maggie starts a new school with her best friend, Francesca, and they’re ready to audition for the fall play, Dahlia Rockets to Space. Then Valentine arrives—experienced, confident, and determined to win the lead role and a new best friend. When Valentine starts teasing Maggie about her stutter and Francesca begins drifting away, Maggie’s confidence wobbles for the first time in a long time. Quitting feels tempting… but Maggie still wants the stage. We talk about writing speech-difference representation from lived experience, why performance spaces can help kids build communication confidence, and what parents and educators can do to support confident communicators—not “perfect” speakers.   The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid.  See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/     Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano  See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/     Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started:  https://www.podbean.com/storycomic     Follow us:  Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com  www.patreon.com/storycomic  www.facebook.com/storycomic1  https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/  For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com     Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devlin, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at:  https://marekbennett.com/  https://www.hexapus-ink.com/  https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/  https://www.vonallan.com/  https://higgins802.com/  https://shewstone.com/  https://www.simkikuznick.com/  https://www.dieboldcomics.com/  https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/  https://benjaminhunting.com/  https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/  https://www.pigmacast.com/  Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

  7. Jul 2

    (Ep: 522) Justin Coke on Making Magic Feel Dangerous (and Funny)

    #JustinCoke #SWATEldritchBlue #SecretWizardAssaultTeam #KickstarterComics #IndieComics #CrowdfundedComics #UrbanFantasyComics #HorrorComics #MagicAndMayhem #WizardDetectives #ComicCreator #IndieCreator #ComicsInterview #NewComicSeries #Storycomic Justin Coke returns to the show to talk about his newest Kickstarter: SWAT: Eldritch Blue — Secret Wizard Assault Team, a supernatural crime comic that blends magic, law enforcement tension, and dark humor. In this world, wizard detectives operate like a specialized unit, led by Larry Slaughter, and the stakes aren’t just monsters and mayhem — it’s also bureaucracy, survival, and what happens when a team is on the verge of being shut down and needs a win. We talk about where the idea came from, how Justin balances comedy with real danger, and the tricky craft of writing a world where “law” and “magic” collide — especially when the characters are tempted to do questionable things for what they think is the greater good. If you like urban fantasy with teeth — and Kickstarter comics you can jump into right now — you’ll have fun with this conversation. The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid.  See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/     Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano  See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/     Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started:  https://www.podbean.com/storycomic     Follow us:  Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com  www.patreon.com/storycomic  www.facebook.com/storycomic1  https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/  For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com     Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devlin, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at:  https://marekbennett.com/  https://www.hexapus-ink.com/  https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/  https://www.vonallan.com/  https://higgins802.com/  https://shewstone.com/  https://www.simkikuznick.com/  https://www.dieboldcomics.com/  https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/  https://benjaminhunting.com/  https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/  https://www.pigmacast.com/  Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

  8. Jul 2

    (Ep: 521) A Book of Quiet Power for a Loud Year

    #JoanMWhite #ACommonersPrayer #RootstockPublishing #VermontPoetry #ShelburneVermont #PoetryCollection #DebutPoetry #ZenAndPoetry #Haiku #Haibun #NaturePoetry #SpiritualWriting #PoetryCommunity #AuthorInterview #Storycomic On this episode, I’m joined by Joan M. White, a Shelburne, Vermont poet and longtime Zen practitioner, to talk about her debut collection a commoner’s prayer: poems (Rootstock Publishing), released April 1, 2026. Rootstock describes the book as an exploration of the seasons—not only spring, summer, fall, and winter, but the “human seasons” too: grief, love, resilience, and the ways a life changes shape over time. Joan’s poems draw on plant knowledge, wandering in woods and wetlands, and a deep attention to daily experience—where wonder and hard truths can sit right next to each other. We talk about how Zen practice informs her craft, what haiku and haibun teach a writer about precision, and how to write poems that feel intimate without being sentimental. We also talk about what it means to stay observant in a loud world—and how a poem can be a form of steadying. If you like poetry that’s clear-eyed, tender, and quietly brave, this conversation is for you.   The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid.  See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/     Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano  See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/     Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started:  https://www.podbean.com/storycomic     Follow us:  Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com  www.patreon.com/storycomic  www.facebook.com/storycomic1  https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/  For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com     Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devlin, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at:  https://marekbennett.com/  https://www.hexapus-ink.com/  https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/  https://www.vonallan.com/  https://higgins802.com/  https://shewstone.com/  https://www.simkikuznick.com/  https://www.dieboldcomics.com/  https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/  https://benjaminhunting.com/  https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/    Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

Ratings & Reviews

5
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This is your home for stories about comics or comic-based stories. We curate news and talk with storytellers and artists. We focus on children’s books, graphic novels, illustrations, and the people behind these works that bring joy and inquiry.