THE AWESOME COMICS PODCAST
The Awesome Comics Podcast is a podcast where the best and brightest in the world of small press and independent comic books get their time to shine. You’ll find out about books you’ve never heard of but you will love. Theres great informative interviews with creators, full of helpful tips for any aspiring comic book creator just starting out. Theres also a ridiculous amount of humour running throughout. Listen, laugh and leave us a review to let us know what you think!
Episode 557 - Is this the Galaxies Greatest 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...
Episode 556 - The Three Amigos Decompress Themselves Again!
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...
Episode 555 - The Extreme Sport of Long Box Diving!
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...
Episode 554 - Comics, Drugs and Rock and Roll!
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...
Episode 553 - Going to The Pass with Katriona Chapman
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...
Episode 552 - Do Comics Turn You On or Off?
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...
Episode 551 - Capes... What Are They Good For?
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...
Episode 550 - Pancakes, Butter and Crumbs!
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...
Episode 549 - Is 2026 Going to Be a Big Year for Comics?
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...
Episode 548 - The Awesome Comics of 2025: A Retrospective
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
Episode 547 - A Web Slinging Christmas Jolly!
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...
Episode 546 - Small Press Creators vs Imposter Syndrome!
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...
Episode 545 - Awesome Comic Christmas Gifts!
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...
Episode 544 - Robots, Gods, Monsters and the Worlds of Pye Parr!
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...
Episode 543 - Drawn Under the Influence!
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...
Episode 542 - Time to Go to Hell and Back!
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...
Episode 541 - Revolutions, Rebels and Anti-Establishment Comics!
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...
Episode 540 - Comics are a Religious Experience!
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...
Episode 539 - Halloween Horror Special 2025!
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...
Episode 538 - Scary Black Forests, Turnips and Aliens!
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...
Episode 537 - Goblins are Selling Comics in 2025!
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...
Episode 536 - Being the Center of Attention!
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...
Episode 535 - Blood, Blades and Building Fantasy Worlds!
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...
Episode 534 - Talking Indie Comic Festivals and INKBLOT!
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...
Episode 533 - Filth, Forums and Fan Favourites!
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...
Episode 532 - Millers Crossing: A Pitchers Life!
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...
Episode 531 - The Archetypes of Comics
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...
Episode 530 - Do Comics Have Any Value Now?
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...
Episode 529 - Ahoy There! These Comics are TOXIC!
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...
Episode 528 - Bad Girls, Bad Luck and Breaking the Law IN SPACE!
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...
Episode 527 - It's time for answers!
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...
Episode 526 - The Reluctant Sadism of Making Comics!
What drives someone to come back to comics and creativity after decades away? What is the comics and small press scene like in Latvia? What exactly will a Blind Bigfoot do to you? All these questions and more are answered this week as the ACP gang talks to the fascinating and awesome Hal Weaver (Reluctant Sadist) about his books, creativity and inspiration for his new wave of comics. From Small Press Brooklyn to Art Loving Latvia, its a journey of comics, creativity and stories thats not to be missed. All that and a whole bunch of comics banter, events...
Episode 525 - Comics Face Their Doom... Face!
There are comic book villains, and then there is Doom Face! This week the ACP gang chat with Aaron Sparrow (Kneel Before Doomface, Darkwing Duck) about writing the action fuelled take on epic super villainy. From writing funny evil, to character designs and toys, Darkwing Duck, comic book publishing stories and tabling at conventions in the USA, its another fascinating delve into the world of indie comics and getting your work out into the world. With all that and a ton of awesome indie books to check out, if you don't listen we're all DOOMED!
Great stuff...
Episode 524 - Get Ready for a Double Feature!
Ever seen a movie double bill? Ever had a night reading a comics double bill? You will after this weeks show, as the ACP trio suggest a batch of fantastic comics that would work as an evening of reading. From classics and thought provoking tomes to funnies and heartbreaking tales of horror and sci fi, this one has it all. Also there's a deep dive into Dan Butchers new artistic process, great indie recommendations and a few words of remembrance for the late Jim Shooter. Get your wish lists ready, because they will be longer after this weeks show!
Episode 523 - Ten Years of the ACP!
It's been ten years since the first ever Awesome Comics Podcast. How on earth did that happen? This week Vince, Dan and Tony have a little talk about what its been like, and how things have changed in their reading habits, processes and general life. Heres to the next ten years of comics and stories!
Episode 522 - UK Comics Shall Never Be Forgotten!
This week the ACP crew go back in time to when the UK newsagent shelves were filled with all kinds of classic and influential comic strips, and who better to discuss it than with David McDonald of Hibernia Comics! They talk about Hibernias collections and zines and the importance of keeping these overlooked classics alive for future generations (and mainly old school nostalgia fans like us). Its a history lesson that every comic fan will love, and get ready to discover some classics and beautiful artwork. All that and a load of great comics to check out? It can...
Episode 521 - Who Gives a Buck?
This week the ACP take to the stars and find out how Buck Rogers is once again hitting the pages of comics! Now a public domain entity and shepherded in a new book by Allan and Ben Liska (Green Archer Comics), not only is it the perfect time to talk about this much overlooked and influential character but a perfect time to find out how working with public domain characters. From badly-aged beginnings to the massive influence to pop culture sci-fi, its a fascinating conversation about how to re-energise a classic. All that and a discussion about over the...
Episode 520 - Are Greg and Fake ACTUALLY FAKE?
From its first issue to its recent Eisner Award nomination, The Santos Sisters has been storming the indie comics world so Marc Koprinarov and Greg from Greg and Fake join the ACP crew to talk about their comic series, inspirations, working process and whether or not one of the trio actually exists. It's a great chat about one of the shining lights in indie comics that you NEED to have on your pull list. All that plus discussion about ACP Towers, great indie comics to check out in the weeks and months ahead and a chat about the new...
Episode 519 - From an Ashcan to a Roadblock in Comics!
Do you like comics?Then you are in for a treat this week, as the ACP gang are not only reunited after a week apart, but the awesome artist Andrew Krahnke (Bloodrik) joins them to talk about drawing, writing, creating ashcans and an absolute love for comics. The conversation also travels from Groo to Jaws and by the end you'll certainly have a new favourite artist to follow! All that and SO MANY amazing indie comics to check out that you'll reading for weeks after this one. Now... if only the hosts could remember what they said...
...
Episode 518 - There's No I in Team!
It's the start of a summer of comics here at the ACP, and one of the crew has already jetted off on their holiday! Friend of the show Tom Curry rejoins the surviving hosts to talk about subjects such as which is more successful, solo creators or creative teams? Theres also tons of comics banter, indie comic recommendations and, as always, awesome comics talk!
Great stuff to check out: Jack Kirby, Mark Millar, Eamonn Clarke, Mega City Book Club, Sam Hardcore, Sketches #1, Macc Pow Comics Festival, Blags Big Boys Big Book of Bollocks, Hal Weaver, TBH Comics...