Storycomic Presents: Interviews with Amazing Storytellers and Artists

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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.

  1. 19H AGO

    (Ep 491): How Do You Adapt Lovecraft Without Losing Your Mind?

    #SimonBirks #TheThingOnTheDoorstep #HPLovecraft #TopCow #ImageComics #CosmicHorror #Arkham #WilliRoberts #RobJones #BlueFoxComics #AntarcticaComic #LovecraftianHorror #IndieComics #ComicAdaptation #StorycomicPresents In this episode of Storycomic Presents, I welcome Simon Birks back to the show to dig into his latest cosmic horror project for Top Cow/Image, The Thing on the Doorstep. This five-issue mini-series adapts H.P. Lovecraft’s classic story into a modern comics thriller, with art by longtime collaborator Willi Roberts and letters by Rob Jones. The series follows Daniel Upton and his lifelong friend Edward Derby—right up to the moment Daniel shoots Edward dead in Arkham Sanitarium, a crime he insists he didn’t commit. Across the mini-series, Simon and Willi trace the beginnings of that friendship, Edward’s slow slide into madness, and the strange forces that twist their lives into something both intimate and deeply unsettling. We talk about adapting Lovecraft for a new audience, working with Top Cow/Image, and how this book builds on Simon’s previous Lovecraftian work like The Shadow Over Innsmouth—plus his ongoing adventures as co-founder of Blue Fox Comics, which has now delivered more than 80 crowdfunding campaigns from their base in Scotland. Issue #1 hits shops February 11, 2026, with the full story collected in trade paperback later that summer. 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, 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/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

    30 min
  2. 22H AGO

    (Ep 490): What Makes a Great Leader? Ask Princess Caitlin

    #AmyHawk #TheTalesOfRumpus #PrincessCaitlin #KidsFantasyBooks #ChildrensBooks #ReadAloud #FamilyReading #MiddleGradeAdventure #PrincessAdventure #PagePublishing #KidsBookAuthor #FantasyForKids #EmpoweringStories #StorycomicPresents #BookInterview   In this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by Amy Hawk, family nurse practitioner turned children’s author of Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Apple Books, and more. 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, 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/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

    22 min
  3. FEB 5

    (Ep 489): Can One Story Change a Child’s Inner Voice?

    #JohnRMiles #YouMatterLuma #Matteringverse #ChildrensBook #PictureBook #KidsMentalHealth #EmotionalLiteracy #YouMatter #SelfWorthForKids #KidsBooks #ReadAloud #SocialEmotionalLearning #ParentingTools #ClassroomReads #StorycomicPresents In this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by John R. Miles to talk about his debut children’s book, You Matter, Luma—a heart-centered story set in the magical Passion Struck Forest about a quiet little bunny who discovers that her small voice can create big ripples. Drawing from his own childhood experiences with emotional adversity and his work on “mattering,” John created You Matter, Luma to help kids feel seen, valued, and connected. The book is the first in the You Matter series, part of his larger Matteringverse™, and is designed for ages 4–8 as a gentle introduction to self-worth, courage, and kindness. We talk about why emotional education for kids can’t be an afterthought, how stories shape a child’s inner voice, and practical ways parents, teachers, and caregivers can use Luma’s journey to spark conversations about feelings, inclusion, and belonging. If you care about raising kids who know they matter, this is an episode you’ll want to share. Grab the book at YouMatterLuma.com or via retailers like IndiePubs and Booktopia   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, 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/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

    28 min
  4. JAN 29

    (Ep: 488) How to Stay Playful in a Serious World: Talking with James Kochalka

    #JamesKochalka #AmericanElf #JohnnyBoo #DragonPuncher #CartoonistLaureate #VermontComics #IndieComics #DiaryComics #JamesKochalkaSuperstar #GlorkianWarrior #KidsComics #GraphicNovels #CartoonistLife #ComicsProcess #StorycomicPresents   In this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by James Kochalka—Eisner, Ignatz, and Harvey Award–winning cartoonist, rock musician, and the very first Cartoonist Laureate of Vermont. James’ work ranges from his long-running daily diary strip James Kochalka Superstar, and even video games like Glorkian Warrior.  We’re not here to promote one new thing—we’re here to have a real conversation. We talk about drawing your life every day, why he once declared that “craft is the enemy,” how simplicity and sincerity can carry more power than polish, and what he’s learned from a lifetime of making songs, comics, games, and art out of whatever is in front of him.  If you care about creativity itself—how to stay playful, stay honest, and keep going over decades—this is one you’ll want to hear. 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/ https://twitter.com/storycomic1 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, 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/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

    36 min
  5. JAN 22

    (Ep 486) A Nutcracker Retelling with Heart, History, and New Traditions

    #LeoFinelli #TheNutcrackersWorld #NutcrackerBook #KidsBooks #ChildrensBooks #PictureBook #ReadAloud #WinterBooks #HolidayBooksForKids #MulticulturalKidsBooks #HanukkahBooks #KwanzaaBooks #WinterSolstice #LunarNewYear #StorycomicPresents In this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by Leo Finelli, the author and photo-illustrator of The Nutcracker’s World—a fresh, kid-friendly take on the classic Nutcracker story that widens the spotlight to include multiple winter holidays. Alongside Clara’s magical journey, Leo builds in a “world of winter traditions,” weaving in symbols and celebrations connected to Hanukkah, Christmas, the Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, and Lunar New Year.  We talk about what made Leo want to create his own Nutcracker version (a dream he’s held since childhood), how he approached adapting a public-domain classic while keeping the heart of the 1892 ballet, and why he chose photo-collage illustrations—including photographing neighbors, local dancers, and friends to bring the cast to life.  Leo also shares how his storytelling connects to his other creative work, including his podcast Generation Change with Leo Finelli, where he spotlights young voices and changemakers.    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/ https://twitter.com/storycomic1 For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com

    21 min
  6. JAN 15

    (Ep: 485) Work-Life Balance Is a Lie—So What Actually Works?

    #ChadWillardson #FullyInvested #Leadership #EntrepreneurLife #WorkLifeIntegration #BusinessGrowth #HighPerformance #TimeManagement #FamilyFirst #PersonalDevelopment #WealthMindset #SuccessHabits #PodcastInterview #StorycomicPresents #AuthorInterview Chad Willardson is back on Storycomic Presents—and this time he’s here to talk about his latest book, Fully Invested: Why Work-Life Balance Is a Total Lie. In our conversation, Chad breaks down why “balance” can leave high achievers feeling guilty and split in half, and what it looks like instead to build real alignment between business, family, health, and the life you’re trying to enjoy.  We also get into the practical side: the book lays out seven strategies aimed at scaling without sacrificing your marriage, your kids, your health, or your sanity—and what Chad calls building “true wealth,” not just a bigger number on paper.1 If you’re a founder, creator, or leader who’s tired of doing everything “right” while still feeling behind, this episode is for you. Learn more about Chad and his work through Pacific Capital and the book page linked above.    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/ https://twitter.com/storycomic1 For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com

    29 min
  7. JAN 8

    (Ep: 484) Why “Funny + Horror + Mystery” Works So Well in Comics

    #BretHerholz #BretMHerholz #IndieComics #GraphicNovelist #Illustrator #ComicCreator #SequentialArt #TheBlackDandyStrikes #PollyAndHandgraves #ComicInterview #StorycomicPresents #PenAndInkArt #WatercolorIllustration #ComicArt #IndieArtist n this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by illustrator, graphic novelist, and podcaster Bret M. Herholz from bretmherholz.com. Bret’s work has that perfect mix of humor, horror, and mystery—often rendered in pen-and-ink, watercolor, and digital techniques—and he’s created multiple graphic novel projects while also illustrating covers and interiors for other books and publications.  We talk about his storytelling roots (including studying sequential art at SCAD), how teaching art has shaped the way he thinks about visual communication, and what it takes to keep an indie comics catalog alive across conventions, commissions, and direct sales.  We’ll also dig into highlights from his catalog—like The Black Dandy Strikes! and Polly and Handgraves—and how Bret builds atmosphere, pacing, and punchlines on the page.    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/ https://twitter.com/storycomic1 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, 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/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

    21 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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.