THE AWESOME COMICS PODCAST

This week we talk a bit about the work of classic comics artist and writer John Byrne, from xmen to next men and everything in between. Theres also a fun delve into a one and done spider team up book that everyone should pick up from a back issue bin, and Dan marks his return to the show by asking if we would still read comics if they were digital only. All that and a bunch of great comic recommendations, stuff to check out an also shampoo talk!

Great stuff to check out: John Byrne, Spider-Man, Red...

Its a fun one this week as we bring in an honorary amigo Kieran Squires (The Drycleaner) to talk about a raft of fun comic topics. From a big comic mart discussion, to underused heroes that deserve a spotlight to those popular creators that we just don't get, its an absolutely jam packed comics chat that guaranteed to get you jumping online to read comics or just let us know what you think!

Great stuff to check out: Kieran Squires, London Comic Mart, Kellys Comic Fair, Mega City Book Club, Inkblot Festival, Three Planes, Roger Mason, The...

Sometimes you just have to go back to the classics, and there's none more classic than Homers Odyssey! So this week we chat to Neil Roche and Laurence Alison about gods, myths and translating epic journeys to the comics page. From the challenges of adapting ancient text, to the wonderful artwork of Vu Danh its a wonderful discussion about yet more brilliant indie comics and creators. All that and great recommendations, international comic shop chat, local comic fairs and as always... great indie comics talk!

Great stuff to check out: Odysseus: In Defiance of the Gods,Neil...

Another classic creator of indie comics joins us this week as the one and only Billy Tucci, creator of the 'Shi', takes a moment away from the floor of Heroes Con to talk about his work, character and a new omnibus. Its a fun (and funny) chat that will leave you wanting more, as will the great comics recommendations we have and a fun Wizard quiz about what they considered to be the greatest superhero costumes OF ALL TIME in 1997. Its another don't miss dose of indie comics and then some!

Great stuff to check out: Billy...

A classic adventuring rogue returns to the pages of comics this week, as Simon Templar aka 'The Saint' returns. To talk about the character, the pulpy origins and its new modernisation are the Green Archer Comics crew and Simon Russell. From the origins of the character, its Public Domain details and the collaboration from all sides of the creative endeavour, its another fascinating look into the world of indie comics. All that and more great indie comics to check out, you'd be mad to miss it!

Great stuff to check out: The Saint, The Saint Kickstarter, Meet...

Get yourself a cold one and sit back with us as the three amigos as we discuss some hot topics and ask some hard questions, all in the name of loving comics! Expect chat about free pull lists, small press comic values and attributes that could prove dangerous for creators. Its another classic awesome comics talk session and then some!

Great stuff to check out:  Hard Travelling Heroes, Absolute Green Arrow, The Longbow Hunters, The Gods and Monsters of Headgrave, Jordan Thomas, Super Kaiju Funtime Derby Go, Comics Assemble, Grixly, Nate McDonna, Death Wish, Barrie Tomlinson, Vanyo, T...

This week we travel to a world of giant mechs, complicated person arcs, story twists and epic non stop action. That world is the backdrop of Sokyo X, and we were lucky enough to chat to its creator Cory Tran about the series. We talk action, pacing, narrative, character development, world building and delve into being introspective about the comics you make. Its a conversation not to missed, with lots of recommends along the way, brilliant indie comics and creators to check out and a good chunk of GUYVER TALK!

Great stuff to check out:  Sokyo X, C...

It's an EPIC one this week as the pod trio sit back in the ACP towers and talk about a number of topics, especially the grand topic of 'what are our comfort comics?'. Expect some unexpected picks from that and also some in-depth conversation about some Absolute Green Arrow and the crackdown of NSFW content on Kickstarter and what that means for comic creators. Also there's loads of shout outs, recommendations and of course plenty of awesome comics talk!

Great stuff to check out:  Kickstarter, Absolute Green Arrow, Absolute DC, Marvel, Erik Larsen, Spider-Man, Micronauts, Conan, J...

As an indie and small press show, its only fitting that this week we talk to one of the great of UK underground comics, and all round legend of the scene Hunt Emerson! From his new retrospective collection '50 Years of Big Noses' currently being crowdfunded, to his cartoonist beginnings,  work in adult magazines, Fortean Times, Beano, how long he spends in stationary shops and why he doesn't consider himself to be an artist! As you can read, its another chat not to be missed. Plus there's discussion on disappointing kickstarter comics, the risk of alienating new readers and a...

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...