Comics For You
Hear from comics industry insiders about how everything from Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, and more stories journey from an idea to your local comic book shop. This is a one-stop resource to learn everything you've ever wanted to know about how comics are made for you.
Episode 31: Heather Antos - "I'm Still a Fan"
Heather Antos returns! For the first time, Matthew has a guest coming back for round 2 on Comics For You. They get neck deep into IDW Crime, Star Trek, IDW Dark, what elements make a great crime story, and the inner workings of comic book publishing. Boldly go where no podcasters have gone yet with this insightful, delightful, and illuminating interview.
Support the show!
Read Matthew's newest webcomic, Sight Rhyme, for FREE on Tapas: https://tapas.io/episode/3624503
Crashing by Matthew and Morgan Beem: https://www.amazon.com/Crashing-Matthew-Klein/dp/1684059879
For more...
Fave 5 With Stephanie Phillips
Writer Stephanie Phillips is the latest to share her Fave 5! Who are her favorite Daredevil villains? Some of the answers might be controversial but they'll get you talking.
Stephanie Phillips is an American writer known for comics and graphic novels such as HARLEY QUINN, BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT, SENSATIONAL WONDER WOMAN, SUPERMAN, TAARNA, and THE BUTCHER OF PARIS. Stephanie also holds a PhD in rhetoric and composition and and MA in English from the University of South Florida. She has taught writing and communication courses at the University at Buffalo, the University of South Florida...
Adam Gorham - "An Idea is a Nice Thing...But You Gotta Do Something With It"
This week Matthew is joined by artist Adam Gorham as he gears up to take over duties on the massively popular Infernal Hulk at Marvel. We get into the mindest of an artist picking up a series after it's been established, Adam's comics origin story, breaking down his routine to get out a monthly comic, and so much more. Listen or you might make the podcast angry, and you wouldn't like it if you make it angry...
Support the show!
Read Matthew's newest webcomic, Sight Rhyme, for FREE on Tapas: https://tapas.io/episode/3624503
<...Phil Hester - "My Favorite Type of Character is a Monster Who is a Hero"
On this episode of COMICS FOR YOUR Matthew is joined by writer and artist Phil Hester! Phil's on to discuss his four decade career wherein he's worked with such luminary comics creators as Brian Michael Bendis, Kevin Smith, Tom King, Mark Millar, and others. They get into Phil's latest writing venture, A QUIET PLACE: STORM WARNING from IDW Publishing that expands the mythos of the blockbuster film franchise. Pick up a copy of A QUIET PLACE: STORM WARNING #1 from your local comic shop March 11th, 2026.
Support the show!
Read Matthew's newest webcomic, Sight Rhyme, for...
Fave 5 - Ibrahim Moustafa
On the latest episode of Fave 5 from Comics For You we have writer and artist Ibrahim Moustafa! Ibrahim is an illustrator and Eisner Award nominated comic book writer/artist from Portland, Oregon. He is best-known for his original graphic novels COUNT, RETROACTIVE, JAEGER and HIGH CRIMES, as well as his work on JAMES BOND, and on various Marvel Comics titles like MOON KNIGHT, WOLVERINE, DOCTOR STRANGE, and BLACK PANTHER. His work has been published by Marvel Comics, DC Entertainment, Image Comics, Humanoids Inc., BOOM! Studios, Valiant Entertainment, Dynamite Entertainment, Dark Horse Comics, and IDW Publishing. How does Ibrahim's favorite...
Sara Phoebe Miller - "You Can Just Write Something That’s Fun"
On this episode of Comics For You, Matthew is joined by Sara Phoebe Miller! Sara is a writer and editor with over a decade's worth of experience in the comic book industry. She worked at DC Comics for 13 years, most recently as the editor of DC’s Books for Young Readers line of YA, middle grade, and early reader graphic novels, and is currently the Editorial Director of BOOM! Studios. You Belong Here with artist Morgan Beem is her first book. This is an incredibly enlightening chat about Young Adult content! What is YA? What are the major genres? Ho...
Episode 27: Van Jensen - "Godzilla Can't Eat Humans"
This week on COMICS FOR YOU, Matthew is joined by author Van Jensen! Van Jensen was born and raised in the farm country of Western Nebraska where he wrote and drew stories as soon as he could hold a pencil. He became a newspaper crime reporter, then a magazine editor, and eventually an author of comic books and graphic novels. He has written some of the world’s biggest characters, including James Bond and The Flash, Superman, Wonder Woman and the Green Lantern Corps for DC Comics. He also has co-created acclaimed series including Two Dead from Simon & Schuster/Ga...
Episode 26: Andy Schmidt - "The Thruline Is I Love Comics"
This episode we have the Editor-In-Chief at BOOM! Studios, Andy Schmidt laying down incredible insight. Andy shares his twenty-plus years of experience, shedding light on the keys to pitching, BOOM!'s future, how many editors it takes to bring a publisher to the comic shop, and Andy shares some incredible stories from his time working at Marvel Comics. This is one you have to listen all the way to the end.
Support the show!
Read Matthew's newest webcomic, Sight Rhyme, for FREE on Tapas: https://tapas.io/episode/3624503
Crashing by Matthew and Morgan...
Fave 5 - Episode 2: Harley Salbacka
On Fave 5 this week Matthew's joined by Harley Salbacka, Community and Events Manager for Tiny Onion. Harley gives her pick for her favorite runs, artists, writers, and the three things she owns she'd be buried with! Listen up and see if your picks match hers.
Support the show:
Get a copy of CRASHING
Read Matthew's webcomic with Rich Wojcicki and Nick Philpott: No Rhyme Or Reason
Get a copy of EXQUISITE CORPSES
Follow Harley on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/thecomicsgingerharley/
Episode 25: Stephanie Phillips - "We Want To Be Comic Book Readers"
On this blockbuster episode of Comics For You writer Stephanie Phillips stops by to talk about her new launch of DAREDEVIL! Plus, we get into Stephanie's celebrating Gothmas, how she schedules herself amongst juggling writing projects including All-New Spider-Gwen and Planet She-Hulk. Stephanie also drops some knowledge for new writers about pitching, costs, goal setting, and so much more.
Stephanie Phillips is an American writer known for comics and graphic novels such as HARLEY QUINN, BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT, SENSATIONAL WONDER WOMAN, SUPERMAN, TAARNA, and THE BUTCHER OF PARIS. Stephanie also holds a PhD in...
Episode 24: Billy Flake - "We Have To Get Kids Involved With Comics"
On this episode we have Billy Flake, the Director of Purchasing and Sales for Coliseum of Comics, the largest comics retailer in the Southeastern United States. Billy is one of the most influential figures in comics retail. He’s had an incredible 8 year odyssey that he shares with us on this episode. This is the listen for learning more about what it takes to sell comics, how they get into the shops, what keeps them going, where the opportunities in 2026 to grow the industry are and so much more!
Thanks for listening, if you wouldn’t mind plea...
Episode 23: Michael Walsh - "Sometimes It Hits Just Right"
For this episode Matthew sits down with writer and artist Michael Walsh! Michael is best known as the creator, writer, and artist of the Eisner-nominated horror comic book series, The Silver Coin, as well as the writer and artist of Universal Monsters: Frankenstein. With over ten years of professional comic book credits, he has worked on pop icons ranging from Spider-Man and Superman to Star Wars and The X-Files. His creator-owned book, Comeback, was optioned for a feature film by Skybound Entertainment.
In 2025, Michael and James Tynion released the creator-owned comic book, Exquisite Corpses, to massive critical...
Fave 5 - Episode 1: Alex Segura
Fav 5 debuts with writer Alex Segura! Want to know what the writer of comics Star Wars, Dick Tracy, and crime fiction including Secret Identity considers his five favorite comic runs of all-time? How about his favorite writers and artists? What superpowers does he wish he had? And what Holy Grail item out there would he still want to get a hold of? Listen up and see if Alex's picks match any of yours. This new bonus series will be dropping once a month in addition to Comics For You's bi-weekly releases.
Support the show!
Read...
Episode 22: Frank Barbiere - "I Know The Work Lasts Forever"
This week on Comics For you Matthew welcomes Frank J. Barbiere! Frank is a #1 Amazon.com best-selling writer from New Jersey with his new series from Image Comics Author Immortal with artist Morgan Beem on sale now! Frank breaks down what it means to be a long-term comics creator, riding the highs and the lows, demythologizing preconceptions about the industry. If you ever wanted to learn what the grind is like to a comics writer, this is the episode for you!
This is a must-listen whether you've been writing and drawing comics for a month or twenty...
Episode 21: Ibrahim Moustafa - "Perfect Is the Enemy of Finished"
On the latest episode of Comics For You we have writer and artist Ibrahim Moustafa! Ibrahim is an illustrator and Eisner Award nominated comic book writer/artist from Portland, Oregon. He is best-known for his original graphic novels COUNT, RETROACTIVE, JAEGER and HIGH CRIMES, as well as his work on JAMES BOND, and on various Marvel Comics titles like MOON KNIGHT, WOLVERINE, DOCTOR STRANGE, and BLACK PANTHER. His work has been published by Marvel Comics, DC Entertainment, Image Comics, Humanoids Inc., BOOM! Studios, Valiant Entertainment, Dynamite Entertainment, Dark Horse Comics, and IDW Publishing. Ibrahim tells it like he sees...
Episode 20: Skylar Patridge - "How Do you Want It To End?"
Comics For You is back with Action Comics artist Skylar Patridge! Skylar joins Matthew to discuss her current Superboy saga, what her favorite Superman costume is, how her love of horror began with some childhood trauma watching, and so much more. A great listen for up and coming artists especially.
And if you're here for Skylar and like the show, don't forget about the back catalog we've been building.
Support the show!
Read Matthew's newest webcomic, Sight Rhyme, for FREE on Tapas: https://tapas.io/episode/3624503
Crashing by Matthew and Morgan...
Episode 19: Christopher Cantwell - "Where’s My Agency In My Own Life?"
Excited to have on Comics For You this week writer Christopher Cantwell. Christopher's currently writing the excellent Star Trek expanded universe comics series, Red Shirts with IDW publishing which we get into a bunch for any Trek fans out there. Issue #4 of 5 is out on November 5th. He and Matthew also touch on his series Out of Alcatraz from Oni Press, the collected edition of which is out October 21st wherever books and comics are sold. Plus, he’s done work for DC with Plastic Man, Marvel with Iron Man and Hellcat; BOOM!’s fantasy quest book Briar. On the...
Episode 18: Tristan Jones - "Communication Is Key"
This week on Comics For You is writer and artist Tristan Jones. Tristan’s currently working with Christian Ward on IDW’s Event Horizon: Dark Descent, expanding on the universe of the late 90’s cult cosmic horror film. Issue 1 went to a second print and issue 2 is out today as this episode drops, on Weds. October 8th. Tristan talks about his incredible odyssey into, out of out, and back into comics. Matthew and Tristan also discuss what appealed to Tristan about working within the world of Event Horizon, how he became a massive horror fan as a kid, and Trista...
Episode 17: Christian Ward - "Art is About...Tension"
Matthew is joined this week by Sir (unofficially) Christian Ward! Writer of EVENT HORIZON: DARK DESCENT for IDW Publishing, BATMAN: CITY OF MADNESS for DC Comics, and many more stellar projects, Christina talks about his childhood passion for being a comic book artist, lessons he took from his time as a teacher, the best advice he ever received, and how he's persevered through challenges to continue creating this collaborative magic. It's a must-listen for fans, readers, and aspiring creatives.
Support the show!
Read Matthew's newest webcomic, Sight Rhyme, for FREE on Tapas: https://tapas.io...
Episode 16: Liana Kangas - "You're Trying to Equal Out Being You"
Artist Liana Kangas joins Matthew on Comics For You! Liana gets into her origins in fine art, comics retail, and discusses how building a community of incredible comics creators helped her find her path to her amazing career.
Support the show!
Read Matthew's newest webcomic, Sight Rhyme, for FREE on Tapas: https://tapas.io/episode/3624503
Crashing by Matthew and Morgan Beem: https://www.amazon.com/Crashing-Matthew-Klein/dp/1684059879
Liana's Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/cw/lianakangas
Episode 15: Hunter Gorinson - "Why Doesn't Disney Only Make Billion Dollar Blockbusters?"
The President and Publisher of Oni Press, Hunter Gorinson comes on to give you some insights behind the scenes of one of the highest pressure jobs in all of comics. What's it take to run an entire publisher? Putting together a pub plan, what you look for in a comics pitch, how to inspire and lead a team to do their best work, we get into everything on this one. The curtain's pulled back on Comics For You.
Support the show!
Read Matthew's newest webcomic, Sight Rhyme, for FREE on Tapas: https://tapas.io/episode/3624503<...
Episode 14: Morgan Perry - "Manga Are Comics"
Comics For You welcomes Morgan Perry, Marketing Manager, Book Publishing for Square Enix America! Morgan deep dives into all things manga, manwha, manua. From the best starter reads, to how she works with comic shops to build their manga sections you'll hear an in-depth look into the format.
Want some great reads?
Crashing: https://www.amazon.com/Crashing-Matthew-Klein/dp/1684059879
No Rhyme Or Reason: https://tapas.io/series/No-Rhyme-Or-Reason/info - FREE
The Rhyme Scheme: https://tapas.io/series/The-Rhyme-Scheme/info - FREE
<...Episode 13: Anthony Del Col - "All Roads Lead To Deadlines"
Super excited for our guest this episode! Anthony Del Col is a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer/producer of podcasts and comics. His comics and graphic novels include KILL SHAKESPEARE with the latest comic dropping this past April and for sale now, Romeo Vs Juliet, linked to below. He's also written comics and Audible dramas for ASSASSIN'S CREED; he wrote LUKE CAGE: EVERYMAN and the award-winning Business Insider comic I ESCAPED A CHINESE INTERNMENT CAMP, a first-person exploration of a Muslim woman’s imprisonment by the Chinese government which won the the 2022 Pulitzer Award for Illustrated Reporting and Commentary. HIs 2024 BBC es...
Episode 12: Jake Williams - "People Can Feel When You're Taking a Big Swing"
Editor Jake Williams of IDW Publishing stops by to talk all things Godzilla as he helps launch the new "Kai-Sei Era" of titles! Jake tells us about his comic book origin story, how he found the voices for these new Godzilla comics, and the risk/rewards of taking a big swing with a beloved character.
Godzilla #1 is on sale July 23rd at your local comic shop!
Pick up Crashing to support and have a great read wherever books and comics are sold!
Episode 11 - Jorge Corona "I Cannot Wait For My Era Of Burning Every Bridge"
Matthew is joined by incendiary artist Jorge Corona. Jorge’s currently killing it on the beloved and bestselling Transformers series with Daniel Warren Johnson for Skybound but they also talk about Jorge's time in New Gotham and beyond. This was truly a treat to talk shop, Jorge’s beginnings as a graphic design student in Venezuela, his worst comics related injury, what it’s like living in a two artist household, and a heartbreaking story of theft. If you want to understand the grind of making amazing stories this is the episode for you!
Get a copy...
Episode 10: Harley Salbacka - "I Gotta Be The Ocean"
We've reached episode ten!!!! Matthew's joined by Harley Salbacka, Community and Events Manager for Tiny Onion. Harley talks all things about planning, designing, budgeting, and building booths at comic cons in addition to staffing and dealing with the unexpected. Like, when celebrities' flights are canceled! Harley also tells some fun stores of managing a Los Angeles comic shop and selling to customers like Batman himself, Robert Pattinson; Black Panther, the late Chadwick Boseman; "Superman" director James Gunn; and others. This is a fantastically fun chat!
Get a copy of CRASHING
Get...
Episode 9 - Morgan Beem: "Go With God, Ask For More Money"
Matthew and artist Morgan Beem are on. Comics For You this weekend talking all about what it was like working on their book CRASHING, green flags and red flags reviewing pitches, negotiating rates, the crazy work schedule comic book artists are working on and Morgan's latest book YOU BELONG HERE. If you're new to comics this is the perfect episode to dive into!
Get a copy of CRASHING
Pick up YOU BELONG HERE
Episode 8: Robbie Thompson - "You Sit In Your Shame Bucket and Write Your Story"
Matthew is joined on this episode by TV, film, and comics scribe Robbie Thompson. Robbie gets into the similarities between working across TV, film, and comic books; the incredible support from Supernatural fans he receives, what's it like working on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds with hundreds of people vs The Sin Bin, his new graphic novel at IDW Publishing on a small team. We also get into his approaches to pitching, breaking down stories, and his comics origin story. You will not want to miss this!
To learn more about THE SIN BIN, out now wherever...
Episode 7: Amy Chu - "Why Not? What's the Worst That Can Happen?"
Comics scribe Amy Chu is on the pod to talk about her extraordinary career(s!) on the path that led her to being a Bram Stoker Award winning writer. From getting degrees at M.I.T. and Harvard, publishing magazines, running non-profits, working in biotech, and spending years in Hong Kong after growing up in the midwest, Amy's journey is unlike other. And Amy deep dives into her process and provides insight being a comics writing teacher to students of all ages. If you ever wanted a breakdown of how the next generation of creators are learning what it...
Episode 6 - Gregg Katzman: "Plan To Pivot"
Welcome to another episode of Comics For You! This time around, Senior Publicity Manager for IDW Publishing, Gregg Katzman joins Matthew to discuss crafting, promoting, and delivering the messaging that raises awareness for your favorite comics, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! How do you get media outlets to cover your comic? How do you handle the madness of setting up interviews for comic book writers and artists? Gregg pulls back the curtain to talk about the lessons he's learned doing press in the comic book industry.
Episode 5: Chris Condon - "Make It More Daredevil"
This week Matthew's joined by rising star comics scribe Chris Condon of the current Green Arrow run at DC Comics, a smash hit launch of Ultimate Wolverine for Marvel, and so much more! Chris comes to Comics For You to detail how he was approached for these projects, his perspective on a comic writer's role in the collaborative process, and tells an amazing story about visiting with the legendary Denny O'Neil. For anyone who wants insight into writing hit books for Marvel Comics and DC Comics on the stands now this is a must-listen!
Episode 4: Rob Young - "You Quit Last, You Win"
Rob Young, who runs SC Comic Con with his wife Michele, and owner of Borderlands Comics and Games in Greenville, SC drops by to discuss all the ins and outs of running a comic book convention! Want to know why Jim Lee was the safest man in South Carolina when he was a guest? Listen and learn in a fascinating look inside a little talked about aspect of the comic book industry.
Go to SC Comic Con to get tickets and see Matthew in person April 5th and 6th at https://sccomicon.com/
...
Episode 3 - Heather Antos: "It's Chess, Not Checkers"
Group Editor for IDW Publishing, Heather Antos, joins Matthew to give a unique insight into making comics while having to work with massive licensors like Lucasfilm, Mattel, Paramount, Nickelodeon, and others! From Star Wars to Star Trek to Monster High, Heather's worked on some of the biggest brands in the world's comic books. Find out what it takes to add to the biggest franchises in popular culture on this week's Comics For You!
Plus, go to SC Comic Con to get tickets and see Matthew in person the first weekend of April! https://sccomicon.com/
Episode 2 - Kat Calamia and Phil Falco: "Pretend Like No One's Ever Heard of You"
Kat Calamia and Phil Falco join Matthew to discuss the ins and outs of crowdfunding comic books on Kickstarter. Hear how they forged a path as creators that essentially didn't exist and have successfully made over thirty campaigns for their LGBTQ+ titles! This is an amazing how-to guide for writers and artists looking to get their work off the ground.
And check out their latest campaign for their new wholesome queer romance title Rainbow Canvas: Valentine's Annual 2025 - BL & GL Webtoons!
Episode 1 - Alex Segura: "I Have To Be A Fan To Do This"
Welcome to the first episode of COMICS FOR YOU! To kick things off Matthew is talking to Alex Segura, a prolific comic book writer currently working on stories for Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Mad Cave Studios and more. Alex talks about the difference between working on creator owned comics and novels vs licensed properties including Star Wars. Learn all about how comics are made for you!
