The United States Department of Nerds Podcast

TERRITORY: Where Kaiju Become Gods | Blake McCarthy discusses his post-apocalyptic graphic novel from Source Point Press, the mythology behind its towering monsters, and the realities of independent comic creation.

When monsters become gods, humanity must learn to survive in their territory.

The Chairman welcomes independent comic creator Blake McCarthy to the USDN Podcast to discuss TERRITORY, a post-apocalyptic kaiju graphic novel arriving in comic shops through Source Point Press in December 2026.

In a world where humanity no longer reigns supreme, enormous creatures dominate the Earth and have become objects of worship. TERRITORY explores...

Three creators. Five years. One wonderfully twisted nightmare.

The Council of Nerds welcomes back writers and co-creators E.B. Kogan and Jessica Silvetti, alongside illustrator Giuseppe “Sabè” Di Stefano, to celebrate the completion of Shockheaded Peter #1-3: The Complete Graphic Novel.

Inspired by Heinrich Hoffmann's disturbing cautionary tales, Shockheaded Peter takes readers into the mysterious town of Winding Springs, where Ruby, a young girl born with a literal broken heart, encounters a world of grotesque punishments, complicated morality, and haunting beauty.

In this special reunion, The Chairman sits down with the entire creative team...

A Knight’s Title reaches its 50th episode! Independent sci-fi fantasy author Russell Michael Berger returns to the United States Department of Nerds Podcast to celebrate Season 9, discuss self-publishing and worldbuilding, and preview his upcoming Halloween spin-off, Souls of the Dying Star.

Nine seasons. Fifty episodes. One independently created universe.

Russell Michael Berger returns to the Council of Nerds for a conversation about the journey behind A Knight’s Title, his original science fiction and fantasy series, and what it takes to sustain an independent creative project across nine seasons.

From the...

Thomas Skelton has spent years building the mythology, music, characters, and cosmic world behind The Last Saijin.

In this episode of the United States Department of Nerds Podcast, The Chairman sits down with Thomas to explore the story of Sai and Jin, two brothers connected to a much larger conflict involving gods, destiny, and the balance of the universe.

Thomas explains what a Saijin is, the meaning behind the name, and how concepts including Saijin Force, karma, balance, and time became foundations of the mythology.

The conversation also explores the creative influences behind...

Michael Tivey's work has helped shape the visual identity of stories across Image Comics, DC Comics, professional wrestling, music, theater, and motorsports.

In this episode of The USDN Podcast, The Chairman sits down with graphic designer Michael Tivey to discuss the craft of comic-book design, his longtime creative relationship with writer Chris Condon, and a career that has taken him from the pages of Image and DC Comics to the world of professional wrestling.

Michael's comics work includes That Texas Blood, The Enfield Gang Massacre, News from the Fallout, and Of the Earth for Image...

Comic creator Tommy Huls joins The Chairman on the United States Department of Nerds Podcast to discuss Kingsville, World at War Comics, independent comics, creator-owned publishing, and crowdfunding.

Tommy Huls has spent years interviewing comic creators through World at War Comics. Now, the interviewer becomes the interviewee as Tommy takes us inside the creation and evolution of Kingsville.

Kingsville is a superhero comic built around global power, political conflict, and Sycodone, a rare resource capable of making superhuman abilities possible.

As the Alliance for Global Safety grows in influence, the small nation of...

The dead don't always stay buried.

Lucky Devil Comics returns to the United States Department of Nerds Podcast as Styles and Nicky join The Chairman before the Council for the next chapter of THE PLAGUE.

When Lucky Devil Comics first joined USDN, THE PLAGUE #1: ILL FATE was a make-or-break independent comic fighting for the chance to exist.

Now, Ill Fate is in readers' hands, THE PLAGUE has reached a new audience through GlobalComix, Lucky Devil Comics is taking the book directly to readers at conventions, and Issue #2 is already moving through production.

The universe is a dirty place, and somebody has to clean it up.

Comic creator Jim Whiting joins The Chairman on the United States Department of Nerds Podcast to discuss Margo Intergalactic Trash Collector: Apocalypse in Pink, the new 112-page collected edition celebrating eleven years of Margo's independent comic-book adventures.

From Margo's origins more than two decades ago to Kickstarter, the direct market, creator-owned publishing, and an all-new series planned for 2027, Jim takes us inside the evolution of Margo and the realities of building independent comics across more than four decades in the industry.

How human are you when your body can be replaced?

Australian comic creator Stephen Kok of SigmaTestudio joins The USDN Podcast for an in-depth conversation about TRANSHUMAN Vol. 4: Betrayal, human augmentation, comic book lettering, crowdfunding, and the realities of creating independent comics.

At the center of TRANSHUMAN is Rivka, a former soldier living in a world where technology can repair, augment, and increasingly replace the human body. But if our bodies can be replaced piece by piece, what actually makes us human?

Stephen takes us inside the philosophy and science fiction...

Christopher Reda joins the USDN Podcast to discuss the growth of Critical Entertainment, expanding into comic shops across the United States and Canada through Universal Distribution, the creation of the Indie Comic Alliance, the Zombie Zero Deluxe Hardcover campaign, Patriot Comic Books, K-Toon Studios, and the future of independent publishing.

From building a catalog of original comics to creating new opportunities for independent publishers and reaching readers through retail, crowdfunding, and new publishing imprints, Christopher shares what it takes to grow an independent comic book company while maintaining its creative identity.

In this episode, we...

One hero was only the beginning.

Lo Plater, creator, writer, and founder of Dark City Comics & Multimedia, returns to the Council of Nerds to discuss E.P.I.C. #2: ARISE ALPHAS - Part 1 and the expansion of the Dark City Universe.

When Lo first joined USDN, we introduced Chris Tayborne, a young archaeology student transformed by the ancient cosmic technology known as the Alpha Bands. Since then, E.P.I.C. #1 has gone from Kickstarter campaign to fulfilled comic, giving Lo firsthand experience with the realities of producing, crowdfunding, and delivering an independent...

Bobby Campbell returns to the USDN Podcast to discuss Tales of the Illuminatus #3: Opus Chao and the journey of bringing the legacy of Robert Shea and Robert Anton Wilson's Illuminatus into comics.

Bobby joins The Chairman to look back at how the series has evolved from Issue #1 to Issue #3, how his creative process has changed, and the challenge of honoring the original Illuminatus material while finding his own voice within its world.

The conversation also dives into the realities of independent comics and crowdfunding. Bobby discusses why building a growing readership matters more to him...

How do you turn the stories in your head into an original fantasy universe and then convince people to care about it?

Jesse Wolfe joins the USDN Podcast to discuss The Legend of Kyyden #2, his journey from writing novellas to creating independent comics, and everything he's learned while building a creator-owned fantasy series from the ground up.

What began as stories Jesse simply needed to get out of his head has grown into an ambitious creator-owned fantasy world with a long-term story still waiting to unfold. With The Legend of Kyyden #2 launching on Kickstarter October 12...

Ancient relics. Supernatural power. A thirteen-issue epic years in the making.

In this episode of The USDN Podcast, The Chairman sits down with W. Frank Walk, creator of Hellstones, to discuss Hellstones #1: Into the Fray and the journey of building a long-form creator-owned comic series through Pigmacast Studio.

From developing the mythology behind Hellstones to balancing the responsibilities of writer, creator, and colorist, Frank shares what it takes to produce an independent comic while building a world designed to tell a complete thirteen-issue story.

The conversation also explores crowdfunding, earning long-term backer trust...

Joe Kazmer and Jarrod Burris join The USDN Podcast to discuss Collision Force #2, an action-packed creator-owned comic that's been described as an "R-Rated G.I. Joe."

From building an original comic universe to crowdfunding and cinematic storytelling, Joe and Jarrod share the story behind the series, how their creative partnership began, the transition from screenwriting to comics, lessons learned through Kickstarter, and why action comics still have an important place in today's independent comic industry.

In This Episode

Frederick Littles joins The USDN Podcast to discuss Wise Acre Comics, Dark Sentinel: Origins #2, Magnus Jakuta, independent comic publishing, crowdfunding, comic production, and the realities of building a creator-owned publishing company.

As the founder of Wise Acre Comics, Frederick has spent years developing original comic book properties while building a publishing company dedicated to producing creator-owned stories with long-term vision and lasting impact.

From flagship titles like Dark Sentinel and Magnus Jakuta to expanding into action figures and collectibles, Wise Acre Comics is focused on creating an interconnected universe of original characters that...

JaVon O. Stokes joins The USDN Podcast to discuss STRONG #1, Kimora Sampson, superhero worldbuilding, representation in independent comics, building Visually Stoked Media, and the realities of independent comic book publishing.

STRONG #1 continues the story of Kimora Sampson, a former Olympic athlete whose life changed forever after a tragic car accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. When an ancient cosmic force known as the Essence empowers her, Kimora gains the ability to transform into a 6'3", 200-pound superhero of unbelievable strength—but only for short periods of time.

Following the best-selling STRONG #0, JaVon begins th...

Building an Indie Fantasy Universe One Comic at a Time | Frank Goodie

Every fantasy world begins with a single idea.

This week on The USDN Podcast – Where Indie Comics Come to Life, The Chairman sits down with Frank Goodie, founder of AshVeil Comics and creator of Thelbe Jack: Seeds of Ruin.

Together they discuss:

• Building an original fantasy universe
• Creating compelling characters and lore
• Turning ideas into published comics
• Lessons learned from Kickstarter
• Balancing comic creation with a full-time career
• Long-term planning for an interconnected...

Shawn McBee and Maciej “MJ” Jankowski join The Chairman on the USDN Podcast to discuss Westron #2, their supernatural horror detective comic inspired by the creatures, legends, and folklore of Slavic mythology.

After the first issue reached its Kickstarter goal in just six hours, Shawn and MJ return to expand the dark supernatural world of Westron.

In this conversation, they share how a chance connection through Discord led to their creative partnership and the creation of the series, why Slavic mythology offers an untapped world of terrifying creatures and stories, and how they balance authentic folklore with...

What happens when Sherlock Holmes survives Reichenbach Falls and enters a world where vampires, supernatural forces, and gothic horror are real?

Casus Belli joins The United States Department of Nerds Podcast to discuss Holmes: Undead #2, the latest chapter in Killer Entertainment’s six-part A Study in Crimson story arc.

In this conversation, Casus takes us behind the scenes of Holmes: Undead and explains how the series reimagines one of literature’s greatest detectives while remaining rooted in the legacy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

We discuss why Sherlock Holmes remains relevant nearly 140 years late...

Ben Lacy returns to the USDN Podcast to discuss SAMSON #1-3: Samson Versus The New Reich!, the latest Kickstarter campaign from Biting Comics.

Inspired by real historical events, SAMSON blends alternate history, superhero action, and wartime drama into a unique creator-owned comic universe. During this conversation, Ben shares the real-world history behind the series, the evolution of the Biting Comics universe, his approach to writing complex heroes, and the lessons he's learned from years of crowdfunding independent comics.

We also discuss Kickstarter strategy, finishing books before launch, connecting multiple comic series into one shared universe...

Kyle Valle and Erin Áine return to the USDN Podcast to discuss Autonomous, the innovative indie horror series helping launch Screamify's new Micro Horror format.

After first joining the USDN Podcast in December 2025 to discuss ZombieCON Volume 1, Kyle and Erin return to the Council to share the journey behind their latest project. We explore the evolution of Big Squid Productions, independent horror filmmaking, vertical storytelling, production challenges, working with Screamify, and what it takes to create original horror outside the traditional studio system.

Whether you're an independent filmmaker, horror fan, or creator looking for inspiration, t...

Bruno Catarino returns to the USDN Podcast to discuss Crimson Bay Issue #2, the latest installment in his creator-owned martial arts comic series inspired by classic fighting games, action cinema, and crime dramas.

In this episode, Bruno shares how Crimson Bay has evolved since its debut, the importance of balancing action with character development, building an original comic universe, collaborating with artist Samuel Donato, and the lessons he's learned through crowdfunding on Kickstarter.

We also explore the challenges of launching original intellectual property, the opportunities presented by public domain characters, convention pitching, and what...

Panopticon, Surveillance, and Indie Comics with Matt Stevens

What happens when a prison doesn't need guards because the prisoners believe they're always being watched?

This week on the USDN Podcast, Jeff "The Chairman" Fountain welcomes writer, artist, and creator Matt Stevens to the Council of Nerds to discuss Panopticon, a psychological science fiction comic that explores surveillance, memory, identity, freedom, and the systems that shape human behavior.

Matt shares the inspiration behind Panopticon, the philosophy that influenced the story, his journey into creator-owned comics, founding Dark Web Comics, launching the project's...

Writer Michael Barron and artist Jack Van Thomme join The Chairman on the USDN Podcast to discuss The Secret Lives of Demon Hunters, a supernatural horror comic about marriage, monsters, hidden darkness, and the people who spend their nights hunting demons.

In this episode, we talk about slice-of-life horror, the origin of The Secret Lives of Demon Hunters, building a world of demons and possession, horror storytelling in comics, writing satisfying endings, Kickstarter preparation, reward tiers, indie comic promotion, and the reality of launching a creator-owned comic.

Ashley and Jordie may look like an ordinary...

Sean Wood joins The Chairman and the Council of Nerds to discuss The Fog Within, his creator-owned post-apocalyptic comic series that blends science fiction, action, mystery, and time-bending adventure.

With The Fog Within #5 launching on Kickstarter, Sean shares the origins of the series, how a simple run through a foggy day sparked the concept, the challenges of building a creator-owned comic universe, and the lessons he's learned from running multiple successful crowdfunding campaigns.

The conversation explores worldbuilding, indie publishing, Kickstarter strategy, creator-owned storytelling, and the realities of building an independent comic career one...

How do two creators living in different countries build a creator-owned comic together?

In this episode of the USDN Podcast, The Chairman sits down with writer Marco Vito Oddo and artist Victor Costa, the creative team behind OTHERKIN, an indie horror and urban fantasy comic series inspired by works such as Hellboy, Hellblazer, and Swamp Thing.

The conversation explores the origins of Otherkin, how the project evolved from an abandoned video game concept into a long-form comic universe, the challenges of independent publishing, and the realities of creating a comic series across continents.

...

Writer and creator C.E. Massari joins The Chairman on the USDN Podcast to discuss his upcoming 120-page original graphic novel, The Mafia vs. The Klan, coming from Source Point Press.

Described as John Wick meets The Godfather, The Mafia vs. The Klan is a historical revenge noir inspired by real family history, Prohibition-era violence, and the question of what happens when justice fails.

In this conversation, we talk about the real story behind the book, the legacy of Augustina Massari, turning family tragedy into fiction, writing about the Klan without glorifying hate...

The Write Brothas Entertainment joins The Chairman on the USDN Podcast for a deep dive into indie comics, creator-owned sci-fi, worldbuilding, and the ambitious 88 Universe.

Founded by Decarlo Tatum Jr. and Neil Newman, The Write Brothas Entertainment is built on one powerful belief: “It’s okay to imagine.”

In this episode, we discuss the origins of The Write Brothas, their creative partnership, the move from film and television ideas into comics, and the process of building a full indie sci-fi universe from the ground up.

We also explore the world of “88,” including...

Dan Sehn of Argo Comics and writer Ray MacKay join The Chairman on the USDN Podcast to discuss GWP: Guys With Powers, a creator-owned indie superhero comic launching on Kickstarter.

This episode dives into the creation of an original superhero universe, the challenges of crowdfunding indie comics, the importance of promotion, and what it takes to build new heroes outside the mainstream comic machine.

Dan and Ray break down the world of GWP: Guys With Powers, including Cosmos, Radioactive Girl, Phaze, Dominico, and the Turbo Twins, while also discussing Argo Comics, indie publishing...

What happens when a lifelong comic fan, toy collector, and convention veteran turns his passion into creator-owned comics?

In this episode of the USDN Podcast, The Chairman sits down with John McLaren of Phantom Ink Comics to discuss the origins of ToteMan, Villains Anonymous, Argyle Avenger, NinjaBoy, and the journey from comic collector to comic creator.

John shares the personal inspiration behind ToteMan, including how the character helped explain epilepsy to his son, while also discussing the realities of independent publishing, convention culture, creator-owned storytelling, and the enduring appeal of classic comic book...

Sci-fi author, filmmaker, comic creator, and Hip Hop Horror pioneer Jeff Carroll joins The USDN Podcast for a deep conversation about Black speculative fiction, indie comics, Afrofuturism, Hip Hop culture, horror, AI, filmmaking, and the future of storytelling.

Inspired by his documentary Why I Love Sci-Fi, Jeff discusses why imagination matters, how science fiction shapes culture, and why indie comics provide creative freedom that Hollywood often cannot.

Topics include:

This...

On this episode of The USDN Podcast, The Chairman sits down with David Luján, creator of Nerida, to discuss indie fantasy comics, creator-owned storytelling, folklore inspiration, Kickstarter comics, and building a nine-part fantasy universe from the ground up.

David shares how mythology, fairytales, comics like Saga and Akira, and his own artistic journey shaped the world of Nerida. The conversation dives into worldbuilding, emotional storytelling, indie publishing, visual pacing, and the realities of creating comics independently in today’s industry.

If you love fantasy comics, indie creators, manga-inspired storytelling, and deep conversations about comic cre...

Todd Black returns to the USDN Podcast to discuss Seekers of Science; a STEM-focused indie comic series that blends real-world science, educational storytelling, and creator-owned comics.

We discuss how the project uses real scientists and real-world scenarios to make science more engaging for younger readers while exploring the role comics can play in education and inspiration.

Todd also shares insights into the crowdfunding process, future science topics the series could tackle, and the growing crossover potential between comics, science, and pop culture.

Topics include:

Dionne Waterman - From Actress to Comic Book Muse

What does it mean to inspire a comic book character?

On this episode of the USDN Podcast, Dionne Waterman (FilmGirlDee) joins us to share her journey from acting into the world of indie comics—where she became the real-life inspiration behind Rita Rivera.

We explore how that experience shaped her creative path, leading her into modeling and cosplay for comic book covers, including Marion Maxx, Jenna the beer-loving vampire, and the Witch of Yazoo from Mississippi Macabre project.

Th...

What happens after a successful Kickstarter campaign?

On this episode of the USDN Podcast, we sit down with Saurabh Bhatia, founder of Comix.one, to explore the challenges indie comic creators face after crowdfunding—and how his platform aims to solve them.

Drawing from his own experience launching a Kickstarter comic, Saurabh breaks down the biggest gaps in the current system: loss of momentum, discoverability issues, and the lack of long-term infrastructure for creators.

We discuss:

Parker Newman joins the USDN Podcast to discuss City of Demons, a 12-part indie noir comic set in 1920s Los Angeles and published by Wise Acre Comics.

In this episode, Parker shares his journey into comics, from early inspiration to navigating the realities of indie publishing. We dive into how City of Demons evolved from a screenplay into a full comic series, the challenges of breaking into the industry, and the impact of distribution issues on independent creators.

This conversation explores the realities behind indie comics — including rejection, persistence, and building a creator-owned pr...

On this episode of the USDN Podcast, we’re joined by Kevin Davis, creator of Skinshifter Volume 1, an indie horror comic that explores identity, fear, and survival through a supernatural lens.

We dive into the origins of the project, the creation of The Jackel Bunny—a soul-hunting entity sent by the Prince of Hell—and how Skinshifter builds a unique horror experience rooted in psychological tension and high-stakes storytelling.

Kevin also shares insight into his creative process, working with artist Daya Negron, and what it takes to bring a creator-owned comic to life throug...

Tom Rasch - Marvel Comics, Black Alpha, and Creator-Owned IP

On this episode, we sit down with comic artist and creator Tom Rasch to explore his journey through the comic book industry.

From early inspiration rooted in classic pop culture like Batman, Spider-Man, and Star Trek, Tom developed a passion for storytelling and art that led him to pursue comics professionally. 

He shares the realities of breaking into the industry; from early rejection at San Diego Comic-Con portfolio reviews to eventually landing work with Marvel Comics on Punisher.

In the final episode of the AHA Horror Anthology series, The Chairman sits down with Evan Johnston to explore Artifacts, a sci-fi horror story set on the dangerous sand planet Threlka-5.

The conversation dives into survival, desperation, cosmic horror, and the psychological toll of discovery while also reflecting on the full AHA anthology and what it represents for indie creators.

From character motivations to the deeper themes of greed and consequence, this episode closes out the anthology with a powerful look at what indie comics are capable of.

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