Pesto Comics - Audio Edition

I can and should do better, but things are rolling along!

00:00 Hello Again

01:47 Big Smoke Pulp Vol. 2

03:51 From Parts Unknown #1

05:48 Snip 1 & 2

07:54 Naked Kaiju Woman #3

08:40 Crimson Frontier

09:29 Prime Cut

10:04 Untitled Mattia Monaco Book

10:24 Untitled Sword & Sorcery Book

11:05 Avoiding Burnout

12:13 Coming Next Week

==

Check out all the comics and books coming from Adriano and Pesto Comics!

Comics:

SNIP 1 & 2

https://bit.ly/snip1comic

NAKED KAIJU WOMAN 3

They call it the Messy Middle for a reason.

00:00 The Mid-Campaign Dead Zone

01:32 Followers and the Direct Market

03:11 The 100-Week Timeline

05:19 The Pesto Vault

06:04 The Messy Middle

==

Check out all the comics and books coming from Adriano and Pesto Comics!

Comics:

SNIP 1 & 2

https://bit.ly/snip1comic

NAKED KAIJU WOMAN 3

https://bit.ly/nkw3

CRIMSON FRONTIER 1 & 2

https://bit.ly/cf1comic

PRIME CUT 1 & 2

https://bit.ly/prime1...

Sometimes you just need to do what works.

00:00 Pivot Back to Audio

01:02 The Change in Strategy

02:49 The AM Radio Host

05:38 Always Comics

06:44 Doubling Down on What Works

08:40 Different Streams for Different Audiences

11:20 Experience is the Best Teacher

14:25 One More Thing

==

Check out all the comics and books coming from Adriano and Pesto Comics!

Comics:

SNIP 1 & 2

https://bit.ly/snip1comic

NAKED KAIJU WOMAN 3

https://bit.ly/nkw3

...

We're back to audio every other week, for the off weeks when we're not doing video. This week, I reflect on the launch of SNIP and how I try to keep perspective in it all. 00:00 A Return to Audio

01:23 The Launch of Snip

02:58 The Kickstarter Advantage

03:58 Progress and Perspective

06:42 The Mental Game of Crowdfunding

09:28 What's the Point?

12:18 Thanks for Everything

Join me as I embark on a 100-week journey to make Pesto Comics a full-time publishing house, starting with the dual-issue launch of 'Snip'. Featuring stunning artwork and Kickstarter-exclusive covers, your support is crucial to our success. Let's build this dream together!

00:00 The 100-Week Challenge Begins

00:09 Building the Foundation of Pesto Comics

00:31 Entering the Direct Market

00:38 Revolutionizing Kickstarter Campaigns

00:51 Introducing 'Snip': A New Approach

01:28 Exclusive Collector Editions

01:51 Call to Action: Support the Dream

02:24 Final Words and Gratitude

In this episode of Pesto Comics, Adriano announces a major development: Pesto Comics is going global in 2026 through a new partnership with Prana Publishers.

This collaboration will enable Pesto Comics titles to be distributed worldwide via Lunar Distribution, Universal Distribution, and Diamond UK.

Adriano outlines how this changes Pesto Comics Kickstarter campaigns, the introduction of biweekly releases, and exclusive variant covers.

Find out more at https://pestocomics.com

Watch the official announcement here: https://www.youtube.com/live/payOybqKw14?si=AhPQmo3N_FqOyqum&t=1170

00:00 Introduction

00:40 Entering the...

I'm reflecting on the evolving indie comic market and the importance of staying current with indie comic trends. The role of digital comics app in reaching a wider audience. Ultimately, it's about making comics that resonate.00:00 Introduction

00:51 Trend 1: The Vertical Revolution

02:05 Trend 2: Digests and Compacts

02:50 Trend 3: Manga-fication of Storytelling

04:02 Summing It Up

05:16 Super Secret Epilogue==Check out all the comics and books coming from Adriano and Pesto Comics! Comics:SNIP 1 & 2https://bit.ly/snip1comicNAKED KAIJU WOMAN 3https://bit.ly/nkw3CRIMSON FRONTIER 1 & 2https://bit.ly/cf1comicPRIME CUT 1 & 2...

I'm reflecting on my 2026 New Year's resolution and the importance of focusing on personal development. This video explores my journey in self improvement and the role of system thinking in achieving goals. Ultimately, it's about self actualization and continuous self help, even when plans go awry.

Find the Super Secret Epilogue here: https://youtu.be/xpgUGAtIwNk

00:00 Intro

01:35 Systems, Not Results

02:11 Focusing on What's Important

02:53 Don't Give Up

03:19 Just Finish

==

Check out all the comics and books coming from Adriano and Pesto Comics!

Pesto Comics 2026 Preview: Exciting New Projects and Major ChangesIn this end-of-year special, Adriano from Pesto Comics outlines the exciting new projects and significant operational changes coming in 2026. Announcements include a shift in Kickstarter focus exclusively to comics, double shipping campaigns for more efficient releases, and partnerships with third-party shippers to improve distribution. Upcoming series include 'Snip', 'Crimson Frontier', 'Naked Kaiju Woman', 'Prime Cut', and more. Tune in for an in-depth look at what's ahead for Pesto Comics in 2026.00:00 Intro

01:12 Comics Only Going Forward (on Kickstarter)

01:55 Double the Comics Per Campaign

02:36 Double the Campaigns<...

Super Secret Epilogue: https://youtu.be/Ok54Kw9ddgk

A Year in Review for Pesto Comics

Adriano from Pesto Comics looks back at the successes and lessons of 2025.

Featuring key highlights from the year like 'Naked Kaiju Woman' and 'From Parts Unknown,' Adriano reflects on campaigns, comics, and upcoming projects for 2026.

00:00 Intro

00:19 What the plan was for 2025

01:18 Comics of 2025

04:58 Books of 2025

07:07 Podcasts of 2025

10:45 Did 2025 live up to the 'All or Nothing' theme?

13:02 Super Secret Epilogue

==

What Worked for My Substack in 2025

I've posted over 70 times on Substack this year and experimented with various formats. Discover my key learnings from these experiments, the importance of a strong email list, and tips for maintaining engagement. 00:00 Intro

00:46 The Importance of an Email List

01:50 Experiment #1: Elsewhere in the Universe

03:21 Experiment #2: Paid Subscribers

05:44 Experiment #3: Video Posts

07:50 Lesson #1: Frequency Isn't Everything

09:02 Lesson #2: Have Something Special for Paid Subs

10:16 Lesson #3: Format Matters

11:41 Lesson #4: Diversify Platforms

12:43 Looking Forward to 2026

18:17 Super...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com

Welcome Back

I have a campaign that is live on Kickstarter called Big Smoke Pulp Vol. 2, and you can get it through December 19th. If you’re paying attention, you may notice that December 19th is very, very close to Christmas.

Did I make a horrible mistake in doing so?

Hard to say.

I had a very good launch day, while being very careful not to launch on the week of Thanksgiving, which I...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com

I reflect on why I failed the Novel November challenge again. I've got four good reasons why and some solutions for future challenges.Plus - a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!00:00 Intro

01:01 Project Updates

03:40 What Did I Do So Wrong?!

03:46 Mistake #1: Failed to Plan

05:18 Mistake #2: My Timing was Awful

06:36 Mistake #3: No Set Schedule

08:00 Mistake #4: Novel November Might Be the Wrong Goal

08:56 Lessons Learned

10:54 Wrapping It Up

12:55...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com

Welcome Back

Better late than never!

We’re here for yet another post-mortem - and this one is for the big one: Naked Kaiju Woman #2. This was easily our best campaign yet and I’ll be sharing it all with you today - with a twist.

I’ve summarized each slide a little bit, but the real meaty version of the post-mortem is going to be in the audio and video. If you really want to dig...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com

It's launch day for Big Smoke Pulp Volume 2 on Kickstarter,!

Today, I provide details on the available rewards, including digital, audiobook, and print editions.

I'll also cover my plans for future campaigns, new projects, and the lessons learned from previous endeavors.

00:00 Special Announcement

00:38 Welcome Back

01:17 Why an Anthology?

01:57 What's Different with #2?

03:28 FYI

03:44 The Rewards

11:03 The Authors

11:57 Timeline

12:50 Coming Up<...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com

I spent a week in Italy exploring their comic culture and comparing it to North America's. I found differences in how comics are consumed and the prevalence of manga, but overall, Italy seems more reader-focused. I discuss what we can learn from Italy's approach to comic distribution and culture.

00:00 Introduction: Returning from Italy

00:15 Welcome Back

01:20 Manga Dominates European Bookstores

02:59 Comics as Part of Italian Culture

03:53 A Handful of Italian Comics

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com

I'm juggling multiple comic projects with prose! This video details my process for balancing both types of projects, including tips for staying organized and productive. Learn about writing and self publishing your own comic books with my tips!

00:00 Intro

06:04 The Framework

09:22 Where You Can Find Me

See MORE of the video at https://pestocomics.substack.com/

Lots to come from Pesto Comics, follow the prelaunch pages here:

Big Smoke...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com

Let's review the weekend at the New York Comic-Con 2025!

From exploring Artist’s Alley to navigating the crowded show floor, I'll share the highlights, challenges, and fantastic panels I attended.

Plus, get a look at my convention haul including exclusive comics, BLIND BAG pins, and panel memorabilia.

00:00 Coming Up

00:25 Welcome Back

02:06 The Good

07:44 The Bad

14:50 The Haul

21:31 Will I Return?

25:08 Upcoming Posts

...

Let's review the weekend at the New York Comic-Con 2025!

From exploring Artist’s Alley to navigating the crowded show floor, I'll share the highlights, challenges, and fantastic panels I attended.

Plus, get a look at my convention haul including exclusive comics, BLIND BAG pins, and panel memorabilia.

00:00 Coming Up

00:25 Welcome Back

02:06 The Good

07:44 The Bad

14:50 The Haul

21:31 Will I Return?

25:08 Upcoming Posts

26:24 Upcoming Projects

28:24 Super Secret Epilogue

See MORE of the video at https://pestocomics.su...

The past and present are converging!

Blind bags and variant covers are back. Did we learn the right lessons from the 1990s comic book market crash?

Plus an exciting unboxing of a DC KO Blind Bag.

00:00 Coming Soon

00:11 Welcome Back

02:27 The FOMO Casino

04:16 Pumping Up the Stock

04:50 A Good Strategy for f Indies?

06:55 Not as Bad as a Car

08:28 The Way Forward

09:42 The Difference

10:27 Unsolicited Advice

11:39 Opening the Blind Bag

14:17 Coming Up on...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com

Ever wonder just how many copies of your indie comic you should print? How to do you what the right amount is? You don't - but we can figure it out together!

00:00 Coming Up

00:19 Welcome

01:32 Print Run Math

01:56 Getting Quotes

06:01 The Formula

07:11 My Recommendation

08:50 Paid Subscibers

Lots to come from Pesto Comics, follow the prelaunch pages here:

Big Smoke Pulp Vol. 2

...

Con Journal: Word on the Street 2025

This week, we look at the good, the bad and the ugly for Word on the Street 2025.

00:00 Coming Up

00:23 Welcome Back

03:50 What Went Well

11:16 The Weird Weekend

14:30 Will I Return?

16:06 Upcoming Posts

17:06 Super Secret Epilogue

Lots to come from Pesto Comics, follow the prelaunch pages here:

Big Smoke Pulp Vol. 2

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pestocomics/big-smoke-pulp-vol-2/

Switch/Restart

https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/e848...

This week, we're doing a shorter version of my rundown for successful Kickstarter campaigns - for comics & books! With 10 successful campaigns under my belt, I share the three phases of a Kickstarter campaign: pre-launch, the campaign itself, and fulfillment.

For more in-depth coverage on all things Kickstarter, see my talks at TCAF and Thought Bubble:

https://youtu.be/P33xLH3uO50?si=TuL_2F6QrCJwyAAv

https://youtu.be/tUqHaM9Q-GQ?si=PRwz4MQAR7JujTFp

This video is available as an audio podcast on all your favourite platforms as 'Pesto Comics Audio...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com

In this episode, we look into whether NSFW comics are just a fun niche or a necessity.

We use the current Pesto Comics blockbuster, Naked Kaiju Woman #2, as a way to reflect on indie comic campaign strategies - and what the future might hold for Pesto Comics.

If you're interested in joining in on the fun, find Naked Kaiju Woman #2 on Kickstarter until October 3rd at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pestocomics/naked-kaiju-woman-2

00:00 Preview

In this episode of Pesto Comics, we have a detailed post-mortem analysis of the Kickstarter campaign for 'From Parts Unknown #4', the final installment in my vampire wrestling comic series.

We discuss the highs, lows, strategies, backer insights, funding details, and lessons learned from this campaign.

This video is available as an audio podcast on all your favourite platforms as 'Pesto Comics Audio Edition' and on Substack at https://pestocomics.substack.com

Listen to Adriano on the Graphic Novel Apostle this week:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5MMwx3jjDRsusPirhHErUH?si=oBN-AaTWThGkNIjaWnTP3...

Adriano takes a detour from talking comics and crowdfunding to review the concert-filled summer including performances by Metallica, Halsey, System of a Down, Dua Lipa and more. Watch as he does his best to tie it all into talking about comics.

As always, stick around past the newsletter portion (16:23) to hear the Super Secret Epilogue for an off-the-cuff discussion of the need for creative breaks and being able to pivot.

This video is available as an audio podcast on all your favourite platforms as 'Pesto Comics Audio Edition' and on Substack at https://pestocomics.substack...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com

Today's post for September 13, 2025 is a paid post for subscribers (with a free preview for all). If you'd like to get the whole post, become a subscriber today at https://pestocomics.substack.com

I'll go into some of the biggest projects that I just can't seem to revive out of the Idea Graveyard. This is available as a newsletter post, a podcast and a video edition all on Substack and YouTube.

Sign up for the Substack newsletter...

00:00 Welcome Back

02:29 Worklog

03:00 Prelaunch Rodeo

03:38 The Self-Flagellating Hustle Bro

04:35 Yet Another System

04:59 Events & Tasks

06:15 Always Improving

07:20 A Morbid Concept

07:46 Coming Up on the Substack

08:24 Upcoming Appearances

09:11 Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast

09:53 Thank you for listening

11:49 New Experiments

16:24 The Rest of 2025

00:00 Welcome Back

01:25 Worklog

02:27 Back in Action

03:36 What's New with Issue Two

04:36 What's Available

06:24 Ending the Comics Year with a Bang

07:36 Coming Up on the Substack

08:01 Upcoming Appearances

09:13 Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast

09:54 Super Secret Epilogue

13:27 Even More Projects

15:14 A New Strategy

18:14 Thanks Again

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com

00:00 Welcome Back

01:43 What I Read vs. What I Write

02:52 Should I Even Pick a Lane?

03:54 Is There a Better Way?

05:41 Casting a Wide Net

06:40 Super Secret Epilogue

08:12 The Old Way

09:27 Talking Burnout

12:10 Yes to Genre Hopping

13:32 The Goal

14:22 Still 2025 to Go

00:00 Welcome Back

01:44 Worklog

02:32 Main Story

02:46 Meeting Up with Pals

04:16 Return to Smallville

05:23 The Nintendo Switch 2

05:50 AI Controversy on the Floor

07:10 Looking Forward

07:56 Future Plans

09:02 Coming Up on the Substack

09:45 Upcoming Appearances

10:10 Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast

10:35 Super Secret Epilogue

12:25 The Difference with Panels

14:28 Applying for Artist Alley

16:07 Still an Attendee

17:12 Positivity Incoming

00:00 Welcome Back

01:24 Worklog

02:00 Prelaunch Rodeo

03:09 Main Story

03:31 The New Digital

04:43 The Webtoon Scroll

05:51 Labubuization of Comics

06:33 Compact Comics - More for Your Money

07:27 No Right Answer

08:23 Coming Up on the Substack

08:57 Upcoming Appearances

09:46 Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast

10:17 Super Secret Epilogue

12:04 The Pulp Writerly YouTube Channel

12:38 Delaying Switch/Restart

14:14 Fan Expo Canada

15:06 Smallville

16:22 Busy September

16:40 More About Switch/Restart

17:47 Backlot Babylon<...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com

00:00 Welcome Back

01:31 A Breakthrough Moment

02:36 A Story for an Artist

03:44 Coming Up with the Concept

05:12 The Campaign

06:44 Costs in Depth

11:20 Final Performance

12:47 The Long Tail

13:38 Lessons Learned

14:56 Looking Forward

16:27 Super Secret Epilogue

00:00 Welcome Back

01:00 Worklog

01:26 Prelaunch Rodeo

01:40 Project Updates

02:16 Main Story

03:04 The Mainstream Pods

05:31 The Indie Pods

07:55 Coming Up on the Substack

08:19 Upcoming Appearances

08:41 Pesto Comics Release Calendar

09:05 Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast

09:56 Super Secret Epilogue

12:42 Writers Block & Project Time

16:57 Is This Fun?

00:00 Welcome Back

01:00 Worklog

01:26 Prelaunch Rodeo

01:40 Project Updates

02:16 Main Story

03:04 The Mainstream Pods

05:31 The Indie Pods

07:55 Coming Up on the Substack

08:19 Upcoming Appearances

08:41 Pesto Comics Release Calendar

09:05 Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast

09:56 Super Secret Epilogue

12:42 Writers Block & Project Time

16:57 Is This Fun?

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com

00:00 Welcome Back

01:37 The Spark

02:48 Can't Do It Alone

03:21 The Software

04:18 My Recording Setup

05:11 Getting It Out There

06:09 What's Next

07:05 Coming Up on the Substack

08:01 Pesto Comics Release Calendar

09:34 Super Secret Epilogue

10:14 Big Smoke Pulp 2 Update

11:52 Writing the Substack

13:02 More Secret Epilogue

00:00 Welcome Back

01:02 Worklog

01:33 Project Updates

02:48 August

03:23 September

05:08 October

05:45 November and December

05:52 January 2026

06:32 February

06:50 Pitching and Planning

08:10 Coming Up on the Substack

08:39 Upcoming Appearances

09:00 Pesto Comics Release Calendar

10:57 Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast

12:02 Super Secret Epilogue

14:11 The Pratfalls of Social Media

15:22 Avatar Rant

17:42 Super Secret Epilogue 2

00:00 Welcome Back

01:39 Worklog

02:11 Project Updates

03:05 The Right Kind of Store

04:28 Back in My Day

05:52 Changing Tides

06:57 Coming Up on the Substack

08:28 Upcoming Appearances

12:18 Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast

13:25 Super Secret Epilogue

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com

00:00 Welcome Back

01:39 Less is More

02:30 Getting the Reps In

03:05 Comment and Community

04:06 Another Dimension in Audio

04:53 Do It Your Way

05:32 Leave a Comment

05:39 Coming Up on the Substack

06:11 Super Secret Epilogue

00:00 Welcome Back

01:36 Worklog

01:59 Project Updates

02:54 Disclaimer

03:09 Fixing Past Disappointments

03:56 The Silver Age Returns to the Silver Screen

04:50 James Gunn Gets Superman

05:57 It's Still Not Perfect

06:21 Excited for the Future of the DCU

07:06 Leave a Comment

07:12 Coming Up on the Substack

08:29 Upcoming Appearances

09:51 Pesto Comics Release Calendar

12:03 Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast

13:21 Super Secret Epilogue