Pesto Comics - Audio Edition

It's my 40th birthday, and I'm feeling reflective. I talk about what this milestone means for a creative career, why starting later in life isn't a setback, and what's coming next from Pesto Comics - including From Parts Unknown, Snip, Naked Kaiju Woman, Crimson Frontier, and a few things I can't quite announce yet.

00:00 It's My 40th Birthday

00:44 What's Happening With Pesto Comics

01:51 What Turning 40 Means for a Creative Career

03:09 The Value of Life Experience

05:17 Looking Back at Pesto Comics

06:16 What's Coming Next

07:40 Knowing Who...

I’m feeling great about comics right now and want to focus on what’s working rather than using negativity for clicks.

00:00 Positivity and the Algorithm

01:09 Something for Everyone

02:14 Diversity of Stories

04:22 A New Renaissance Period

05:43 Loving Comics Out Loud

07:18 Join the Conversation

==

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

Direct Market Comics:

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FROM PARTS UNKNOWN #1

In Stores NOW!

FROM PARTS UNKNOWN #2

Available for Pre...

Recapping my Free Comic Book Day signing at The Silver Snail and a break down why Free Comic Book Day is a misnomer that puts costs and risk on retailers.

00:00 Free Comic Book Day at The Silver Snail

00:45 A Shop That Means a Ton

01:35 The Problem with “Free” Comic Books

02:30 The Retailer’s Burden

03:39 The 2026 Distributor Split

04:38 Freebie Seekers vs. Customers

05:44 Navigating the Ecosystem

07:44 On the Backs of Retailers

09:45 Supporting Your Local Comic Shop

==

Check out all the co...

It's the next day - and it's still surreal! From Parts Unknown #1 is available at your favorite comic book shop as of yesterday - and I'm so grateful.

00:00 The Day After

00:40 Release Day Road Show

04:23 The Oscar Speech

05:08 The Team

07:37 The Retailers

09:31 The Foundation

12:13 The Fans

13:46 Back to Reality

==

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

Direct Market Comics:

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FROM PARTS UNKNOWN #1

In Stores...

I have three distinct tracks that I need to manage - and try not to fall off one onto the other.

00:00 Yet Another Productivity Hack from Me...

00:54 Track 1: Crowdfunding

02:33 Track 2: Direct Market

04:33 Track 3: Novellas

05:47 The 2027 Gap

11:55 Momentum is Everything

14:44 Send me a letter to publish in From Parts Unknown!

==

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

Direct Market Comics:

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FROM PARTS UNKNOWN #1

In Stores - Wednesday...

Why Small Podcasts Matter: Build Your Creative Community One Listener at a Time

00:00 Toronto Indie Author Conference

00:30 The Value of Small Podcasts

03:11 The Process Over the Numbers

05:17 Finding the Path

07:01 Building Community

==

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

Direct Market Comics:

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FROM PARTS UNKNOWN #1

In Stores - Wednesday April 29th

FROM PARTS UNKNOWN #2

Available for Pre-Order (FOC) until Monday May 4th

In Stores...

Professionalism means getting things done - regardless of whether you're feeling up to it.

00:00 Intro: Riding the High

00:08 Where Pesto Comics Stands in 2026

01:14 Planning 2027: Crimson Frontier & Unfinished Scripts

02:28 Procrastination & Plates Spinning

02:44 Shiny Object Syndrome (and Why It's Both a Trap and a Gift)

03:26 Professional vs. Hobbyist: On Finishing What You Start

05:37 Start Small: Advice for New Creators

07:55 Commitment: Getting Back to Work

08:51 The 10-Minute Rule

09:19 Outro

==

Check out all the comics and books coming from...

From Parts Unknown #1 Hits Nearly 5,000 Orders — Thank You + What’s Next

The numbers for From Parts Unknown #1 are in, and I couldn't be happier with the sales! Reporting just under 5,000 orders, this is a huge win for Pesto Comics in the comic book industry.

00:00 The Big Numbers

00:52 Thank You

01:25 Career Highlight

02:01 The Plan for 2026

02:32 The 2027 Challenge

03:01 Release Schedule

03:53 Selling to the Direct Market

04:27 Why Pesto Comics

05:05 The Vision

05:44 Doubling Down

06:43 Final Thanks

==

Ch...

FOC week is here - and it has me thinking about my mental health.

00:00 FOC Week Is Here

00:34 New Production Designer

01:22 Letters Page Announcement

02:56 Kickstarter & Direct Market Strategy

09:44 Managing the Workload

11:39 Burnout & Seeking Help

13:14 Knowing When to Step Back

15:18 Why It's Worth It

16:51 Closing & Next Week

==

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

Comics:

NAKED KAIJU WOMAN 3

https://bit.ly/nkw3

CRIMSON FRONTIER 1 & 2<...

in indie comics I’m both writer and publisher, because I have to manage production, project coordination, and especially marketing to get books made.

I explain why the writer-versus-artist argument misses the point, why comics require a team and constant hustle, and why I’m also developing my novel series Backlot Babylon when I want a singular voice.

I also address getting unsolicited proposals and why I can’t take risks on other creators until my own direct-market foundation is solid.

00:00 Writer or Publisher?

00:35 Expectations of the "Writer"

01:10 Writer vs Art...

After being waitlisted for TCAF, I’m reflecting on why "rejection" is actually providing the clarity I need to pivot away from the stress of convention tabling. I discuss the shift toward the direct market, the success of my latest projects, and why my "mainstream" style is finding a better home south of the border and in local comic shops.

Join me as I talk about building a creator community in Toronto and why 2026 is shaping up to be my biggest year yet despite the setbacks.

00:00 Welcome Back

00:53 Cutting Back on Tabling

...

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