Storycomic Presents: Interviews with Amazing Storytellers and Artists

(Ep 491): How Do You Adapt Lovecraft Without Losing Your Mind?

#SimonBirks #TheThingOnTheDoorstep #HPLovecraft #TopCow #ImageComics #CosmicHorror #Arkham #WilliRoberts #RobJones #BlueFoxComics #AntarcticaComic #LovecraftianHorror #IndieComics #ComicAdaptation #StorycomicPresents
In this episode of Storycomic Presents, I welcome Simon Birks back to the show to dig into his latest cosmic horror project for Top Cow/Image, The Thing on the Doorstep. This five-issue mini-series adapts H.P. Lovecraft’s classic story into a modern comics thriller, with art by longtime collaborator Willi Roberts and letters by Rob Jones.
The series follows Daniel Upton and his lifelong friend Edward Derby—right up to the moment Daniel shoots Edward dead in Arkham Sanitarium, a crime he insists he didn’t commit. Across the mini-series, Simon and Willi trace the beginnings of that friendship, Edward’s slow slide into madness, and the strange forces that twist their lives into something both intimate and deeply unsettling.
We talk about adapting Lovecraft for a new audience, working with Top Cow/Image, and how this book builds on Simon’s previous Lovecraftian work like The Shadow Over Innsmouth—plus his ongoing adventures as co-founder of Blue Fox Comics, which has now delivered more than 80 crowdfunding campaigns from their base in Scotland.
Issue #1 hits shops February 11, 2026, with the full story collected in trade paperback later that summer.
The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid.
See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/
 
Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano
See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/
 
Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started:https://www.podbean.com/storycomic
 
Follow us:
Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com
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www.facebook.com/storycomic1
https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/
For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com
 
Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at:
https://marekbennett.com/
https://www.hexapus-ink.com/
https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/
https://www.vonallan.com/
https://higgins802.com/
https://shewstone.com/
https://www.simkikuznick.com/
Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

(Ep 490): What Makes a Great Leader? Ask Princess Caitlin

#AmyHawk #TheTalesOfRumpus #PrincessCaitlin #KidsFantasyBooks #ChildrensBooks #ReadAloud #FamilyReading #MiddleGradeAdventure #PrincessAdventure #PagePublishing #KidsBookAuthor #FantasyForKids #EmpoweringStories #StorycomicPresents #BookInterview
 
In this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by Amy Hawk, family nurse practitioner turned children’s author of The Tales of Rumpus—a magical adventure about Princess Caitlin, a young royal determined to prove she’s ready to rule her kingdom.
As Caitlin ventures beyond the palace walls, she meets new friends, faces unexpected challenges, and discovers that leadership is about much more than crowns and titles. From breathtaking kingdoms to whimsical creatures, The Tales of Rumpus invites families into a story full of wonder, courage, and heart, perfect for read-aloud time with kids roughly ages 2–10.
We talk about what inspired Amy to write this story while running her own medical practice, how Princess Caitlin’s journey reflects real questions kids have about responsibility and identity, and why she wanted to create a fantasy that feels fun first but still leaves young readers thinking about bravery, curiosity, and what it really means to be ready.
You can find The Tales of Rumpus wherever books are sold, including Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Apple Books, and more.
The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid.
See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/
 
Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano
See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/
 
Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started:https://www.podbean.com/storycomic
 
Follow us:
Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com
www.patreon.com/storycomic
www.facebook.com/storycomic1
https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/
For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com
 
Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at:
https://marekbennett.com/
https://www.hexapus-ink.com/
https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/
https://www.vonallan.com/
https://higgins802.com/
https://shewstone.com/
https://www.simkikuznick.com/
Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

(Ep 489): Can One Story Change a Child’s Inner Voice?

#JohnRMiles #YouMatterLuma #Matteringverse #ChildrensBook #PictureBook #KidsMentalHealth #EmotionalLiteracy #YouMatter #SelfWorthForKids #KidsBooks #ReadAloud #SocialEmotionalLearning #ParentingTools #ClassroomReads #StorycomicPresents
In this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by John R. Miles to talk about his debut children’s book, You Matter, Luma—a heart-centered story set in the magical Passion Struck Forest about a quiet little bunny who discovers that her small voice can create big ripples.
Drawing from his own childhood experiences with emotional adversity and his work on “mattering,” John created You Matter, Luma to help kids feel seen, valued, and connected. The book is the first in the You Matter series, part of his larger Matteringverse™, and is designed for ages 4–8 as a gentle introduction to self-worth, courage, and kindness.
We talk about why emotional education for kids can’t be an afterthought, how stories shape a child’s inner voice, and practical ways parents, teachers, and caregivers can use Luma’s journey to spark conversations about feelings, inclusion, and belonging. If you care about raising kids who know they matter, this is an episode you’ll want to share.
Grab the book at YouMatterLuma.com or via retailers like IndiePubs and Booktopia
 
The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid.
See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/
 
Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano
See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/
 
Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started:https://www.podbean.com/storycomic
 
Follow us:
Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com
www.patreon.com/storycomic
www.facebook.com/storycomic1
https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/
For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com
 
Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at:
https://marekbennett.com/
https://www.hexapus-ink.com/
https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/
https://www.vonallan.com/
https://higgins802.com/
https://shewstone.com/
https://www.simkikuznick.com/
Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

(Ep: 488) How to Stay Playful in a Serious World: Talking with James Kochalka

#JamesKochalka #AmericanElf #JohnnyBoo #DragonPuncher #CartoonistLaureate #VermontComics #IndieComics #DiaryComics #JamesKochalkaSuperstar #GlorkianWarrior #KidsComics #GraphicNovels #CartoonistLife #ComicsProcess #StorycomicPresents
 
In this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by James Kochalka—Eisner, Ignatz, and Harvey Award–winning cartoonist, rock musician, and the very first Cartoonist Laureate of Vermont.
James’ work ranges from his long-running daily diary strip American Elf to beloved kids’ series like Johnny Boo and Dragon Puncher, to wildly catchy punk-pop as James Kochalka Superstar, and even video games like Glorkian Warrior. 
We’re not here to promote one new thing—we’re here to have a real conversation. We talk about drawing your life every day, why he once declared that “craft is the enemy,” how simplicity and sincerity can carry more power than polish, and what he’s learned from a lifetime of making songs, comics, games, and art out of whatever is in front of him. 
If you care about creativity itself—how to stay playful, stay honest, and keep going over decades—this is one you’ll want to hear.
The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid.
See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/
 
Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano
See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/
 
Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started:https://www.podbean.com/storycomic
 
Follow us:
Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com
www.patreon.com/storycomic
www.facebook.com/storycomic1
https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/
https://twitter.com/storycomic1
For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com
 
Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at:
https://marekbennett.com/
https://www.hexapus-ink.com/
https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/
https://www.vonallan.com/
https://higgins802.com/
https://shewstone.com/
https://www.simkikuznick.com/
Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

(Ep: 487) If You Love 80s Nostalgia and Indie Comics, Don’t Skip This One

#ScottSerkland #SerkworksArtLabs #RetroArtLab #YoungAndTheDead #ItCameFromTheFridge #IndieComics #ComicCreator #ArtYouTube #ComicYouTube #GenXNostalgia #WaxPacks #GrossOutStickers #NerdArt #StorycomicPresents #CreatorJourney
In this episode of Storycomic Presents, I welcome Scott Serkland back to the show—mad creator behind Serkworks Art Labs and the new nostalgia-focused YouTube channel Retro Art Lab. Scott has been busy rethinking how he shows up online: giving his website a fresh focus and splitting his YouTube presence in two—one channel for teaching comics and creator life, the other for deep-dives into retro collectibles and gross-out goodness. 
We talk about why he decided to separate “making comics” content on Serkworks Art Labs from the new Retro Art Lab channel that dissects Gen X nostalgia—wax packs, weird toys, trading cards, and his latest project “It Came From The Fridge,” a gross-out sticker and trading card set in the spirit of Garbage Pail Kids and Wacky Packages. 
Scott walks through what’s changing on the site, how he’s thinking about funnels for comics like Young And The Dead, and what creators can learn from treating their channels like separate “labs” with clear missions. If you’re a comics fan, a YouTube nerd, or a sucker for retro junk food art, this one’s for you. 
The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid.
See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/
 
Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano
See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/
 
Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started:https://www.podbean.com/storycomic
 
Follow us:
Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com
www.patreon.com/storycomic
www.facebook.com/storycomic1
https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/
https://twitter.com/storycomic1
For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com
 

(Ep 486) A Nutcracker Retelling with Heart, History, and New Traditions

#LeoFinelli #TheNutcrackersWorld #NutcrackerBook #KidsBooks #ChildrensBooks #PictureBook #ReadAloud #WinterBooks #HolidayBooksForKids #MulticulturalKidsBooks #HanukkahBooks #KwanzaaBooks #WinterSolstice #LunarNewYear #StorycomicPresents
In this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by Leo Finelli, the author and photo-illustrator of The Nutcracker’s World—a fresh, kid-friendly take on the classic Nutcracker story that widens the spotlight to include multiple winter holidays. Alongside Clara’s magical journey, Leo builds in a “world of winter traditions,” weaving in symbols and celebrations connected to Hanukkah, Christmas, the Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, and Lunar New Year. 
We talk about what made Leo want to create his own Nutcracker version (a dream he’s held since childhood), how he approached adapting a public-domain classic while keeping the heart of the 1892 ballet, and why he chose photo-collage illustrations—including photographing neighbors, local dancers, and friends to bring the cast to life. 
Leo also shares how his storytelling connects to his other creative work, including his podcast Generation Change with Leo Finelli, where he spotlights young voices and changemakers. 
 
The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid.
See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/
 
Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano
See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/
 
Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started:https://www.podbean.com/storycomic
 
Follow us:
Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com
www.patreon.com/storycomic
www.facebook.com/storycomic1
https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/
https://twitter.com/storycomic1
For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com

(Ep: 485) Work-Life Balance Is a Lie—So What Actually Works?

#ChadWillardson #FullyInvested #Leadership #EntrepreneurLife #WorkLifeIntegration #BusinessGrowth #HighPerformance #TimeManagement #FamilyFirst #PersonalDevelopment #WealthMindset #SuccessHabits #PodcastInterview #StorycomicPresents #AuthorInterview
Chad Willardson is back on Storycomic Presents—and this time he’s here to talk about his latest book, Fully Invested: Why Work-Life Balance Is a Total Lie. In our conversation, Chad breaks down why “balance” can leave high achievers feeling guilty and split in half, and what it looks like instead to build real alignment between business, family, health, and the life you’re trying to enjoy. 
We also get into the practical side: the book lays out seven strategies aimed at scaling without sacrificing your marriage, your kids, your health, or your sanity—and what Chad calls building “true wealth,” not just a bigger number on paper.1
If you’re a founder, creator, or leader who’s tired of doing everything “right” while still feeling behind, this episode is for you. Learn more about Chad and his work through Pacific Capital and the book page linked above. 
 
The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid.
See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/
 
Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano
See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/
 
Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started:https://www.podbean.com/storycomic
 
Follow us:
Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com
www.patreon.com/storycomic
www.facebook.com/storycomic1
https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/
https://twitter.com/storycomic1
For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com

(Ep: 484) Why “Funny + Horror + Mystery” Works So Well in Comics

#BretHerholz #BretMHerholz #IndieComics #GraphicNovelist #Illustrator #ComicCreator #SequentialArt #TheBlackDandyStrikes #PollyAndHandgraves #ComicInterview #StorycomicPresents #PenAndInkArt #WatercolorIllustration #ComicArt #IndieArtist
n this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by illustrator, graphic novelist, and podcaster Bret M. Herholz from bretmherholz.com. Bret’s work has that perfect mix of humor, horror, and mystery—often rendered in pen-and-ink, watercolor, and digital techniques—and he’s created multiple graphic novel projects while also illustrating covers and interiors for other books and publications. 
We talk about his storytelling roots (including studying sequential art at SCAD), how teaching art has shaped the way he thinks about visual communication, and what it takes to keep an indie comics catalog alive across conventions, commissions, and direct sales. 
We’ll also dig into highlights from his catalog—like The Black Dandy Strikes! and Polly and Handgraves—and how Bret builds atmosphere, pacing, and punchlines on the page. 
 
The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid.
See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/
 
Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano
See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/
 
Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started:https://www.podbean.com/storycomic
 
Follow us:
Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com
www.patreon.com/storycomic
www.facebook.com/storycomic1
https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/
https://twitter.com/storycomic1
For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com
 
Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at:
https://marekbennett.com/
https://www.hexapus-ink.com/
https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/
https://www.vonallan.com/
https://higgins802.com/
https://shewstone.com/
https://www.simkikuznick.com/
Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

(Ep: 483) Comics That Whisper, Then Hit You Right in the Heart

#IsabellaHall #BellaPinkPen #VermontArtist #Cartoonist #IndieComics #Webcomics #CenterForCartoonStudies #GraphicStorytelling #FantasticalFiction #ComicCreators #TheGhostOfTheStellaCadente #Pawdust #PajamaRants #LifeWithDiabetes #StorycomicPresents
In this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by Vermont cartoonist Isabella Hall (she/they), the creator behind Bella Pink Pen. Isabella is a Center for Cartoon Studies graduate who loves fantastical storytelling—whether that’s a ghost on a cruise liner, a quiet reflective comic about collecting, or a full-on journey into a winter realm. 
We talk about how she builds stories that connect with readers of any age, the themes and influences that shape her work, and what it’s like making comics as both an artist and a storyteller. We’ll also dive into projects like The Ghost of the Stella Cadente and Pajama Rants: Life with Diabetes, plus where her comics are headed next.
 
The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid.
See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/
 
Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano
See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/
 
Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started:https://www.podbean.com/storycomic
 
Follow us:
Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com
www.patreon.com/storycomic
www.facebook.com/storycomic1
https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/
https://twitter.com/storycomic1
For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com
 
Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at:
https://marekbennett.com/
https://www.hexapus-ink.com/
https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/
https://www.vonallan.com/
https://higgins802.com/
https://shewstone.com/
https://www.simkikuznick.com/
Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

(Ep: 482) Vampires, Werewolves, Zombies… and Rent Still Due on Tuesday

#SoCalledLiving #MarkMaia #DarkComedyComic #VampireComics #IndieComics #ComicKickstarter #SupernaturalComedy #WerewolvesAndZombies #JackTheVampire #MaiaComics #BoardGameCoffee #StorycomicPresents #WebtoonComics #GlobalComix #ComicBookCommunity
In this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by Mark Maia, BAFTA-winning game designer and creator of the dark comedy comic series So-Called Living. We dig into his freshly funded Kickstarter for So-Called Living: Books 5–8, the final chapters of his 8-issue saga where vampires, werewolves, zombies, and “us normies” all try to muddle through life in the same messed-up world. 
The series follows Jack, an average guy whose life is turned inside out when he’s unwillingly turned into a vampire. Suddenly he’s juggling mob-run werewolves, murderous bunnies, and the kind of bad decisions that feel way too relatable. So-Called Living blends sitcom timing, horror vibes, and heartfelt character moments into a comedic universe that still hits with real emotional stakes.
Mark and I talk about wrapping a long-form indie series, building a fanbase across multiple campaigns, collaborating with artist Marco Leone and other guest cover artists, and how his storytelling brain moves between game design and comics. If you like monster worlds with big laughs and bigger heart, this is an interview you’ll want to catch—and then go back the books while you still can. 
The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid.
See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/
 
Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano
See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/
 
Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started:https://www.podbean.com/storycomic
 
Follow us:
Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com
www.patreon.com/storycomic
www.facebook.com/storycomic1
https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/
https://twitter.com/storycomic1
For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com
 
Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at:
https://marekbennett.com/
https://www.hexapus-ink.com/
https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/
https://www.vonallan.com/
https://higgins802.com/
https://shewstone.com/
https://www.simkikuznick.com/
Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!