THE AWESOME COMICS PODCAST

What makes a comic funny? What should you think about when crafting a humour comic? What on earth would you think if you met a man with a steamroller for a head? Are face huggers friendly? Well those questions and more get answered this week as we are joined once again by friend of the show and creator of 'Steamroller Man' Matthew Schofield. Its another fascinating discussion about our favourite medium, with a whole load more fantastic comics to check out in the week ahead too!

Great stuff to check out: Matthew Schofield, Steamroller Man, HATE!, Peter...

After appearing in the recommendation of last weeks show, 'The Machine is Broken' gets the spotlight even more as its creator Jared Sarnie joins us this week to talk about his work, influences, working with a publisher and the topic of handling a sensitive subject in a different and interesting way. Its a great discussion that will introduce you to another great small press comics voice to watch out for! Plus there's great indie comics recommendations, events and kickstarters to add to your lists and a moment to reflect on the legacy of the late, great Barrie Tomlinson.

Big comic, little comic or webcomic? Whats best for you? Well we talk about that and more this week, and joining us is the creator of 'Republik', Jay Horner. The conversation flies From his own work, reading recommendations and what its like working with our very own Dan Butcher. All that and TONS of comics to check out, thought provoking discussion as well as a question about biscuits? This one has it all!

Great stuff to check out: Jay Horner, On the Mend, Slam Comics, Nigel Kitching, Sonic the Comic, Hellbreaker, Pat Mills, Ian Ashcroft, American Vampire...

This week the three amigos hang out in ACP Towers and talk about buying comics sight unseen because of creators and the new 'hotness' in comics that is Blind Bags! There is a live opening of an issue 1, in depth discussion about comic book PR, fantastic comic book recommendations AND a great interview with Su Haddrell of Lawless Comic Con about this years great upcoming event!

Great stuff to check out: Matt Wagner, Daniel Warren Johnson, Doug Wagner, Daniel Hilyard, Bill Willingham, Garth Ennis, Frank Cho, Mike Grell, Pat Mills, Robert Kirkman,  Daredevil, Bridlington Comic Con, Jonny C...

This week we talk to all round comics entrepreneur and champion of comics Shane Chebsey to talk about his own publishing endeavours, stories and the exciting new indie comic show Comics Assemble! We talk about running comics events, professionalism, getting your books into comic book stores and lots of great and positive comics chat. We also discuss a particular facsimilie comic, some upcoming comic marts and as always loads of indie comics to add to your pull lists!

Great stuff to check out: Shane Chesbey, Scratch Comics, Comics Assemble, Jim Zub, John Wagner, Howard Chaykin, Spearpoint, Cowboys...

This week we had a chance tot talk to Nick Goode about his writing and his brilliant comic 'SUSSEX', about the traumatic experiences of a spy in WWII. Its a wonderful conversation about storytelling, collaboration, historical fiction and adapting your own mental health experiences into fictional worlds. Its also an awesome book more people need to check out so be sure to add that and the other books we talk about onto your read piles. Speaking of comics to read, Tony came back from Vegas with a whole bunch of them so check out his Vegas comic shop report...

In 2026 one of the champions of comics publishing, the mighty Fantagraphics, celebrates 50 years of publishing and who better to talk about the past, present and future with us than Gary Groth himself! From the Comics Journal days to the latest slate  of books dropping this year, to the exciting small press arm of FG known as Fantagraphics Underground, its a great chat about the wonderful world of independent comic books. All that and plenty of wonderful titles to add to your wishlists, pull lists and shopping lists as well. It's another cracker of an episode not to be missed!

This week we're joined by breakout comics creator Jesse Lonergan (Drome) to talk about all things artwork, comics narrative, influences, artistic process and what its like being a ten year overnight success. From the epic and thought provoking nature of his work, to the cool visual language that YOU CAN ONLY DO IN COMICS, its a conversation you don't want to miss. All that and talk of exciting future trips to comic book stores, great indie recommendations, skateboarding culture and great events to put in your diaries. We really do spoil you!

Great stuff to check out...

Step back into the time machine this week as we talk about the glory days of weeklies comics and the IPs that inspired an entire generation of creators. Joining us is Ian Matthews (Razarhawk, Truck Mutts) who has stepped into the world of all ages cartoons with his own book Truck Mutts! From the stories that we'd take control of, to great recommendations of all kinds and a cheeky Viz quiz thanks to some cheapo top trumps!

Great stuff to check out: Ian Matthews, Truck Mutts, Inhumanoids, The Getalong Gang, Visionaries, Scanners, Thundercats, Transformers, GI Joe, Comic...

This week we do something that we've never done before on the ACP. We read, rate and talk in-depth about the latest issue of 2000AD! Does it hook in new readers? Are the stories killer? Is Judge Dredd still a badass? Is it worth checking out? All this and more get discussed, as well as an insight into comic marts, laser pointers, shenanigans and as always tons of great indie comics to check out!

Great stuff to check out: Newport Comic Fair, 2000Ad, Judge Dredd, Zine Tales, Jonny Cannon, Adam Falp, Sussex, Nick Goode, Matt Bunce, Mystic...

This week in the ACP Towers the three pod hosts step up to talk about all things comics like only they can. We talk about the value of online 'how to make comics' courses, decompression storytelling, the return of Vertigo comics and our particular fave superhero artists. All that and great recommendations and the introduction of something called the spicy doctor!

Great stuff to check out: Vertigo, DC, Preacher, Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Savage Dragon, Popeye, Judge Dredd, Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Jack Kirby, Smoking Bedroom, Adam Falp, Yo Comic Con, Richard Sheaf, The Getalong Gang, Inkblot Comic...

This week we're talking about the fine art of delving into comic long boxes, finding forgotten gems, flipping books and then chronicling the odd, wild ride of it all - and who better than the creator of 'Grixly', the one and only Nate McDonough! From filling backpacks to using a spare room for stock and also the great journey in his own slice of life comics, its a fascinating discussion into another side of comics not talked about too often. All that and talk of bootleg comics, Transformers, Marvel UK and saucy comics with little to no substance. Thats...

Steve Lafler is a veteran indie and underground comics with a fantastic catalogue of books, and with another two books releasing in 2026 we had a good fortune to chat to him about those, his work process, influences and career from student comic strips to original graphic novels. Its a wonderful look into the world of a cartooning greats. Along with that there's great comic books to check out in the weeks ahead and add to your growing wishlists!

Great stuff to check out: Steve Lafler, Crazy for You, Nikki and Ramona, Paul Theroux, Fantagraphics Books, Aluminum Foil...

This week one of our fave creators Katriona Chapman (Follow Me In, Breakwater) joins us to talk about the creation of her new book 'The Pass', out now from Fantagraphix! From subtle character work, colour and artwork process, working with a bigger publisher and even more. Its a fascinating insight into one of the books of the year, and not only that but even more great indie comic recommendations and a shocking revelation about cream teas that leaves the podcast forever changed!

Great stuff to check out: Katriona Chapman, The Pass, Breakwater, Katzine, Follow Me In, Avery...

What draws you to comics and what would stop you from picking them up? Thats what we at the ACP tackle this week, and joined by the legend behind ACP Recommends, Craig Shields. Its a drive into structure, storytelling, PR and so many more levels of the artwork that we call comics. Theres also talk about whether a particular kind of scene could work in comics, great indie recommendations and another trip to see the Wizard, this time from 1997!

Great stuff to check out: Legacy: ACP Recommends, David Barros, Wizard Magazine, Clear Line, Cartoon County, Clear Run 3...

Capes go under the microscope this week, and what a legacy we talk about, as Gary Seaward joins us to talk about his subversive superhero series 'Legacy: Idols and Bones'. From playing with stereotype to writing stories that have consequences, the conversation goes everywhere... as it should when those involved are lifelong superhero fans. Theres also fantastic comic recommendations, tons of small press comic chatter and a talk about Artist Edition books that both provoke emotion and inspiration.

Great stuff to check out: Legacy: Idols and Bones, Gary Seaward, Secret Identity Comics, Clear Run 3, Art Nine Two...

Buckle up listeners because this week the ACP heads into the wild west that is the comics of Dylan Henty! The chat goes from influences, comedy, artwork processes, publishing and some amazing character names you need to hear to believe! All that and tons of comic book, recommends, a potential book of the year candidate and lots and LOTS of stationary talk. For those who like a pen. We salute you!

Great stuff to check out: Dylan Henty, Modern Living, Little Book of Self Abuse, Squareface, Paul Kortjohn, Lesley Wenlock, Black Ink Comix, Maladaptive Press, Robert Crumb...

The new year is upon us and this week we look at what we would like to see in 2026 in the world of comics. Plus comic making resolutions from the pod hosts, listeners and lots of great comics community folks. Plus there's banter about great indie comic recommendations, expiry dates, hats and more!

Great stuff to check out: Absolute Batman, Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell, Zak Cahill, DUI4, The Cartoon Museum, Keiron Squires, Lawless Comic Con, Film and Television Thoughts and Notes, Ben Wheatley, Ferocious, Mad Cave Comics, Incorporated, Lords on the Piss, Saint Malo, Creative Mussell...

2025 was quite the year wasn't it? What comics, moments and publishers were the highlights of 2025 for the Awesome Comics Podcast? Listen along, find out and join the ACP for what's to come in the new year!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW TO FIND OUT OUR 2025 HIGHLIGHTS! Also check out When We Were Trekkies, Neon Ghost, Wise Acre Comics, The Diary of the Stray Dogs, Harpy, Living the Line Comics, Gunpowder Prophets, Mad Cave Comics, Death Dog #2, Ahoy Comics

Its a jolly old time in Awesome HQ as the gang do their yearly Christmas comic read along, and who better to spend this time of year with than everyones favourite web-slinger! There is a lot of Spider-Man chat, from the wonderful issue to fave artists and villains, and lots of festive cheer and comic talk. It's also very immature and crude so Merry Christmas ya filthy animals!

Great stuff to check out: Amazing Spider-Man 166, DUI #4, The Cartoon Museum, Craig Shields, ACP Recommends, Lawless Comic Con 2026, ACP Gear, Yo Comics, Corporate Skull, Jamie Smart, The Devil of...

This week friend of the show and brilliant creator Matthew Schofield (Steamroller Man) joins the ACP gang to talk about creating comics in 2025. From his great substance and awesome comic series to a revealing and honest look at being self critical on your own work. For anyone creative this is essential listening and also fun if you used to used Wizard magazine back in the day! I mean, who doesn't want to know who was the sexiest between 1992 and 2002 in the world of comics?

Great stuff to check out: Matthew Schofield, Steamroller Man, DUI4, Slam Comics, Drink...

What do you get for the potential comic lover in your life when it comes to Christmas gifts? Well Andy from Secret Identity Comics in Chester joins the gang to discuss what its like behind the tills in a comic chop during the festive season, comics that are selling like gang busters, titles that are going under the radar and what you should be checking out. Also there's another round of case studies that offer up great comic chat and discussion when it comes to shopping for comics!

Great stuff to check out: Secret Identity Comics, Absolute...

The ACP goes from grim darkness to hyper neon futuristic when the gang talks to artist Pye Parr (Petrol Head, Realm of the Damned)! From his graphic design origins to working on a black metal graphic novel, the importance of good collaboration, technical drawing, influences and how he came to a guest artist on The New Gods. The gang also discuss page rates, prepping kickstarters, throw each other under the bus and of course recommend a whole bunch of great comics and creators to check out this week.

Great stuff to check out: Pye Parr, Petrol Head...

This week the ACP goes under the influence of comics once again, as the epic new charity anthology DUI returns. Who better to discuss the book than Simon Russell, who has taken on the task if editing the book. From the good cause its raising money for, to editing, graphic design, artistic influences and what the anthology genre is like for new creators. Theres plenty of laughs, a ton of great artistic chat and more names, books and good causes to add to your lists!

Great stuff to check out: Drawn Under the Influence, Simon Russell, The...

The ACP goes to hell itself this week to celebrate the kickoff for Hellbreaker: Fire in the Blood. To talk about the new book is the artist Ian Ashcroft, editor Lisa Mills and the one and only Pat Mills! Together they discuss their version of hell, creating an iconic and handsome hero, designs, heroes, villains, real life monsters and more. Its well worth checking out, and not only that there's plenty of brilliant comics to add to your pull lists and plenty of laughs - so time to get a daiquiri!

Great stuff to check out: Hellbreaker...

The ACP discuss fighting the system this week, and those characters, stories and narratives that have filled the pages of comics that focus on that. Its a wide and varied discussion about establishments, movements, what it is to be a rebel and how comics have portrayed these stories over the years. Theres also discussion about filing your comics, the fall of Funko and a stupid ranking of Predator movies. Check it out and add more comics to your wishlists today!

Great stuff to check out: CLZ, Hellbreaker, Pat Mills, Ian Ashcroft, Stupid Sketch Book, Haunt, DUI4, Jay...

This week the ACP take on the gods themselves... in comics that is! From pantheons, mythologies, beliefs and the view of superheroes, its a fascinating look at a vast subject. Joining the trio this week is Sam Hardacre (Splorers) who also catches everyone up on his own prolific comic journey and recommend stuff you should be reading in the future!

Great stuff to check out: Hellbreaker, Pat Mills, Ian Ashcroft, Ken Reynolds,  Vyper: Red Shadow, Killtopia: Phantoms, Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees, Big Shoulders, Robowolf, Jake Smith, Dead Gremlin Comix, Three Point Perspective, Otherkin, Mahoneys, Hardline C...

Its the spooky time of year and the ACP look to the creepier side of comics for the Halloween Special! Theres a discussion on a new Manga book with spooky happenings, a horror comic trivia quiz, chat about what's going on in indie horror and more. Plus there's a Wiz Quiz there will get your head scratching, laughs, great recommendations and plenty of indie names to check out in the future!

Great stuff to check out: Girl Who Raised the Dead, Living the Line Books, Baltimore Comic Con 2025, Shopcomicbooks.com,Hellbreaker, Pat Mills, Ian Ashcroft, MCM London...

October is the time for the supernatural, and this year the horror anthology 'Black Forests' has arrived to scare you with its chilling comic tales. To get more info on this pod favourite Peter Hogan (Resident Alien) joins the gang to talk about creating this new anthology and what its like writing horror short stories. Theres also plenty of talk about the Dark Horse series 'Resident Alien', what he learned from Alan Moore and what helps him write his awesome comic books. All that and a lil bit of Tony before Dan and Vince take over to tell you...

Small Press Comic and Zine Fairs are the lifeblood of the community, and this year it gets a new dose of awesomeness with The Goblin Market Comics and Zine Fair! taking place in South London and loaded with brilliant talent, great people and COMICS! Co-organisers Hannah Lee Miller and Mo Morell join the ACP gang this week to talk about the event, its future, the things you'll see on the day and of course GOBLINS! All that and talk of brilliant books to check out, events to put in your diaries and even a little mention of George and...

Are you ready to get personal? Well the ACP are, and it doesn't get more personal or hilarious, than with the comics fo Gina Wynbrandt, so the crew get together with her to talk about her work. Together they talk about comics topics ranging from self-deprecation, wanting to be famous, artistic methods and influences to baseball and comics in Riga. The trio also talk about recent Globalcomix news, new books to check out and even have a little sing song!

Great stuff to check out: Gina Wynbrandt, You're the Center of Attention, Please Have Sex With Me...

Sometimes a fantasy comic appears, hits the ground running and blow your minds with a gauntleted fist, and 'Godhark' was a book that did that. So this week the ACP crew sat down with its creator Sean Manaloto to talk about the creation of the book, his artwork, influences, epic storytelling and the pure love of the comics medium. From talking about creating during a pandemic, collaborating with your partner, heavy metal, video games and the comics scene in the Philippines, its another awesome conversation with a creator everyone should look out for. All that and a bunch of...

Indie Comic Festivals are something to champion, and this week the gang talk to Tom Wilson about the next great UK comics show, the Inkblot Comic Festival happening in October! From its inception, growth, emphasis on ACTUAL COMICS and its debut anthology launching soon, its a real indie scene comics love-fest in true ACP fashion. Also there's more fantastic (and spooky) recommendations, a lot of laughs and maybe even a Pop Tart* or two!

*Other confectionary snacks are available, or not... which Dan is a bit upset about.

Great stuff to check out: Inkblot Festival, I...

Conventions, Comic Book making forums and FILTH, that's what this weeks show is all about! Well, more specifically the new Kickstarter 'After Dark' initiative, which kicks off a discussion about 'adult' material in comics. From there the gang talk about tabling at modern comic conventions, and the motivations for doing so, and also the usefulness of online forums for comic book creators. To make it even better, the brilliant Zack Cahill (Omega Black) joins the gang to discuss all of this AND recommend some ace comics to everyone as well!

Great stuff to check out: Zack Cahill...

This week the brilliant Kieran Squires joins the gang to play games, discuss topics such as classic characters, AI comics and get into plenty of Frank Miller chat. All that and everyone puts their heads together to pitch their ultimate comics they want to see in the world. Get your wish lists and comic ears ready for another 2 hours of comic chat, pontification and also, as always, not safe for work small press banter!

Great stuff to check out: Kieran Squires, The Drycleaner, Frank Miller, Mike Deadato Jr, Worry Wart, Dave Sim, Nick Bryan, Shin Zero,  Mahoneys #8, R...

This week the ACP (and fourth Beatle Tom Curry) talk about so many topics, from Manga reading to classic fandoms and then head into a fascinating discussion about hero archetypes in comics. From antiheroes to epic heroes and beyond! Theres also talk of music in comics, tabletop gaming comics, dystopian sci fi and JAZZ, BABY... JAZZ! Oh, and tons of comics to read, follow and get your hands on!

Great stuff to check out: Tom Curry, Together We Will Go, Babylon 5, The Prisoner, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Doctor Who, Dune, Blue Giant, Shinichi Ishizuka, The Jungle, Keenan...

How valuable are comics to the world? Not monetarily, but in every other aspect? That goes under the microscope as well as talking about the current state of modern comic books, pricing and more. Also there's talk of Dream Sequences in comics and recommend a whole ton of books to read, including a bunch by friend of the show and comic book artist Cliff Cumber!

Great stuff to check out: Cliff Cumber, The Longbox, Bridlington Comic Con, Adam Falp, Hal Weaver, Cartoonists 4 Gaza, Gosh! Comics, Goshfest!, Fuck My Son, Johnny Craig, The Lonesome Hunters, Tyler Crook, X-O...

The Toxic Avenger is back on the shelves of the comic book store thanks to the fine folks of Ahoy Comics, and Stuart Moore joins us this week to talk about his part in the publisher, editing, writing and his amazing career in comics! Its an awesome discussion with a new pod favourite about comics you should be checking out from a publisher on the rise. All that AND brilliant indie comics to read, events to check out and a lot of Muppet discussion!

Great stuff to check out: Ahoy Comics!, Stuart Moore, Toxic Avenger, Toxic Team...

We're heading into space this week and spending some time with the creator of the comic series Lizzie Parsec, Hugh Newell! From the creation of the titular character, to the rolling storytelling, science fiction influences and great tips for adding depth to your sci fi dialogue, its a fascinating look behind the scenes into a comic series more people should be aware of. Theres also discussion of the UK Comic Mart, the joy of manga for the next generation of comics readers and plenty of brilliant indie comics to check out. So what are you waiting for? Boot up...

This week Vince plays the role of devils advocate and throws some thought (and opinion) provoking comic book questions at Tony and Dan. That results in interesting thoughts on small press superheroes, marketing, comic book narratives, the cult of personality and more. Then things take a turn as one of the hosts is questioned in-depth about their creativity and process which ends up more serious than you think! Add to that a bunch more great indie comic recommendations and you got a LOT of awesome comic talk!

Great stuff to check out: ACP Drink and Draw, DUI #4...