Nerdy Mewzings

On Halloween 2025, Jim Mahfood (Marvel’s Spider-Man, Clerks, Grrl Scouts, Fortnite, Tank Girl) dropped by Nerdy Mewzings right after his brand-new 48-page Spider-Man parody one-shot THE ARACHNID ENFORCER absolutely demolished its Kickstarter goal on Day 1 — more than doubling the first-day numbers of his previous hit Savage Street Vigilante — and introduced the instant fan-favorite character GANGSTER BOOGIE!   In this packed episode we explored:    • The exact numbers and strategies behind Arachnid Enforcer’s monster launch • Jim’s proven playbook for running smooth, highly profitable indie comic Kickstarters • Why parody and homage comics are exploding in popularity right now • His journey from late-90s Kinko’s zines → working at Marvel → full creator-owned freedom • Traditional ink-on-bristol vs. digital art, live drawing sessions with Inkpulp, favorite tools, and more • Plus: late pledges are still open through the end of December 2025! Late Pledge / Buy the book here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jimmahfood/defective-comics-presents-the-arachnid-enforcer Follow Jim & shop his store: https://jimmahfood.com All links: https://linktr.ee/jimmahfood If you love indie comics, Spider-Man-inspired stories with a wild twist, or just want to hear what happens when the wall-crawler skips the whole “great power, great responsibility” lesson… this episode is for you. New episodes of Nerdy Mewzings drop every Monday at 6 am PST — Follow so you never miss a guest!

Returning guest and rising comic book coloring superstar STEVE CANON is back for an unfiltered, no-holds-barred deep dive into the world of a professional colorist!   In this episode we bring the heat on: His very first covers on the main Spawn title (Spawn #369 A & B with Raymond Gay & Danny Earls) Coloring Danny Earls’ mind-blowing architectural covers for Sam & Twitch: Gangland The Daniel Warren Johnson Youngblood relaunch variant for Rob Liefeld Upcoming Dark Souls miniseries by George Mann Alpha Clash comic (the lore book for the hot new tabletop game) The real state of the comic industry in 2025 — creator-owned vs. the Big Two, building leverage, and surviving as a pro AI in comics: helpful tool or existential threat? (and why the line is getting scary-blurry) Why some “simple” covers take weeks while others are done in a day Steve’s complete coloring workflow: Procreate → Clip Studio → Photoshop breakdown Balancing full-time fatherhood while coloring some of the hottest books on the stands right now If you love raw, behind-the-scenes comic talk with zero corporate filter, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for!   Follow Steve Canon: Instagram → https://instagram.com/stevecanon X → https://x.com/stevecanon_   New episodes drop every Monday!

Join James on Nerdy Mewzings for an in-depth chat with indie comic book writer Caleb Palmquist https://calebquist.com —creator of Unicorn Vampire Hunter, Dragon Grit, and the ever-growing Swords of Arthur universe. From the perfect con pitch (“a unicorn that kills vampires”) to 40+ successful Kickstarters, Caleb opens up about escaping 2016 debt, forging lasting artistic partnerships (Daryl Toh, Kay Woolhiser), and balancing a full-time teaching gig with non-stop scripting, packing, and caffeine-fueled nights.   Highlights: Issue 9 of Unicorn Vampire Hunter (Kickstarter live NOW!) + Volume 2 finale Dragon Grit Vol 1 at the printer—Vol 2 singles in 2026 Huge Arthurverse rollout: 4 books, wildly different art styles, Lancelot & toddler Galahad, plus a brand-new subscription service Real talk on con tabling, smart crowdfunding, finishing books before launch, and why relationships trump cold DMs Perfect for creators, backers, or anyone who loves fantasy mash-ups—this episode is packed with laughs, inspiration, and hard-earned advice!   Current Projects: Unicorn Vampire Hunter #9 on Kickstarter | Dragon Grit Vol 1 soon | Swords of Arthur subscription 2026 Follow Caleb: https://calebquist.com or https://unicornvampirehunter.com – weekly newsletter with previews & updates! Check out his Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/caleb.palmquist Nerdy Mewzings: Audio on Apple Podcasts, Podbean & everywhere | Video on YouTube & Spotify Support: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings (lost episodes, stickers, live shows)

🦇 ERICA D’URSO IS BACK – and this time the bat is OUT of the bag! The Immortal Legend Batman artist returns to Nerdy Mewzings and finally reveals: • The soul-crushing pressure of drawing AFTER Dan Mora’s designs 😱 • How she designed Bruce Wayne’s civilian look, enemies & the Shadows • Why she almost turned down Batman (!!) • The secret creator-owned project (John Wick + Spirited Away + Putin in a mixer 👀) • Traditional vs digital, selling originals, white-out disasters & MORE This is the most candid Erica has EVER been. You won’t hear this anywhere else! Follow Erica NOW (original pages sell out in hours): 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erucchan ✉️ Commission / waitlist form in bio 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvpvSOdDRLk7JxZjf-kMNSg New episodes every Monday 6 AM PST 🎙 Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean 🎥 Full video version: https://youtube.com/@nerdymewzings Support the show + get exclusive bonus clips: ❤️ https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings

Legendary Nexus creator Steve “The Dude” Rude gets RAW on animation battles, Jack Kirby lessons, and bringing Return to Earth to life. In this milestone episode of Nerdy Mewzings, James dives deep with comic book icon Steve Rude — co-creator of Nexus, winner of multiple Eisner & Kirby Awards, and a fierce defender of traditional art in the digital age.   What You’ll Hear: The real creative struggles behind the new Nexus: Return to Earth project Why Steve is fighting to launch an animated Nexus series (and the team he needs) Jack Kirby stories from meeting the King himself Traditional vs. digital art — why Steve refuses to compromise Kickstarter success secrets & building a 1,000+ member army Hand-lettering, on-model challenges, and the relentless pursuit of mastery Whether you’re an aspiring artist, comic creator, or Nexus superfan, this is the masterclass you’ve been waiting for! Support Steve's Work: Join the community on Patreon: www.patreon.com/steverude Subscribe to Steve's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@steverudethedude Pre-order Return to Earth: www.steverude.com/rte Get the How to Draw Figures book: www.steverude.com/howtodraw Join Steve's Discord: https://discord.gg/wtwjkud57 Steve is hiring: https://www.steverude.com/pages/colorist-search Follow Nerdy Mewzings for weekly deep dives with comic industry legends!

Join James as he catches up with his longtime friend, MEGA talented comic book artist, Siya Oum! In this episode, they chat about their 25-year friendship, reminiscing about their college days, the evolution of their artistic journeys, and discuss Siya's NEW Kickstarter project, Neo Wonderland. Hear behind-the-scenes stories of their art classes, inspirations from iconic comic book artists, and details about Siya's earlier work on projects like 'Fathom' and 'Lady Mechanika', as well as Marvel Comics and more. Don’t miss the exclusive insight into Siya's creator owned graphic novel, 'Neo Wonderland', a project over two decades in the making. Tune in for a mix of laughter, nostalgia, and a celebration of creativity! Back Neo Wonderland: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/siyaoum/siya-oums-neo-wonderland-graphic-novel?ref=acxdxn Visit the Official Neo Wonderland Website: https://www.neowonderland.com/ Subscribe to Siya's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/siyaoum Follow Siya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siya_oum  

James sits down with David Harper, fellow podcaster and creator of SKTCHD.com. They discuss the evolution of David's podcast 'Off Panel', his meticulous preparation methods for interviews, and his path through the world of comic book journalism. From their shared love of the Transformers and comic art, to the challenges of making a living through comics, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the comic book industry. David also opens up about his unexpected career shift, health challenges, and the community support that has kept him going! Subscribe for new Nerdy Mewzings episodes every Monday at 6am PST. Keep it Nerdy! Visit the Official SKTCHD website: https://sktchd.com/ Support Off Panel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/OffPanel Subscribe to SKTCHD/Off Panel's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sktchdcomic Follow SKTCHD on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sktchdcomic Follow David on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slicedfriedgold Find SKTCHD on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sktchd.bsky.social Follow SKTCHD on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SKTCHD  

Welcome back to the Nerdy Mewzings Podcast! Underground cartoonist extraordinaire Sam McClurg makes his triumphant return for round two, joining James to dive deeper into the gritty, unfiltered world of indie comics, raw artistry, and con-floor chaos. Fresh off his electrifying experience at Eddie P Con—where the energy crackled like a live wire—Sam opens up about channeling rock 'n' roll legends Keith Richards and Hollywood outlaw Steve McQueen into his boundary-pushing work. They geek out over the latest pulses in the comic book underground: from sustaining that creative fire amid deadlines to the triumphs and tangles of self-publishing in the indie scene. The highlight? An exclusive sneak peek into Sam's sizzling new Kickstarter, White Line: Deadline—a high-octane project blending his signature bold lines and rebellious spirit (Now LIVE—back it now and snag those killer rewards!). Whether you're a die-hard comic collector or just love stories that bite back, this EPIC chat is your ticket to inspiration overload. Tune in for laughs, lore, and a masterclass in keeping the underground alive! Head over to Sam's Official Website: https://www.sam-mcclurg.com/ Back White Line: Deadline HERE: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sam-mcclurg/white-line-deadline?ref=project_build Subscribe to Sam's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Sam_McClurg  

Join James on the Nerdy Mewzings Podcast for an inspiring conversation with comic book artist Todd Beats! Discover how Todd overcame early challenges to become a full-time artist, rocked Rose City Comic-Con, and built a massive TikTok and Instagram following. From his standout variant cover for Invincible Universe: Battle Beast, to engaging with fans and critics, Todd shares his creative process, upcoming projects, and essential tips for aspiring artists. Tune in to hear how persistence and passion fueled his thriving career! Available now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. Follow and subscribe for more comic creator stories! Visit Todd's Official Website: https://www.toddbeats.com/ Subscribe to his YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ToddBeatsART Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddbeats Checkout his TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@todd_beats  

🎙️ Drop headfirst into the world of comics once again, with host James on the Nerdy Mewzings Podcast! In this episode, comic book writer Warrick Walker reveals his creative process, inspirations, and collaborations with artists Erwin Papa and Eric Rivera. Discover the secrets behind his storytelling and get a sneak peek at his upcoming projects!🚀 📚 Learn more about Warrick: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warrickwalker Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/warrickwalker  

Join me in welcoming prolific comic book artist Eric Canete, known for his astounding artwork, smoldering intensity, insanely dynamic art style, and co-hosting the now infamous InkPulp Podcast! We delve into Eric's experiences in the animation and comic industries, his journey towards finding his unique artistic voice, and how the X-Men heavily inspired his creator-owned project, Arc Athena. Eric also shares insights into the collaborative process of storytelling, both in comics and animation, and discusses the origins and dynamics of the InkPulp podcast which he co-hosts with friends Shawn Crystal and Matteo Scalera. Don't miss this insightful episode filled with invaluable advice for aspiring artists, as I dive into one of the most creative minds that brings our favorite stories to life! Visit Eric's Official Website: https://www.ericcanete.com/ Subscribe to his YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ericcanete Follow Eric on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericcanete Check him out on X: https://x.com/EricCanete Take a look at his TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eric_canete Subscribe to the InkPulp Podcast Channel: https://www.youtube.com/inkpulp Visit the InkPulp Website: https://www.inkpulp.tv/  

In this episode of the Nerdy Mewzings Podcast, James welcomes LA-based comic book writer Ricardo Andrés Acevedo to discuss his journey in the comic book industry! They delve into Ricardo's unique background, his writing process, and the inspiration behind his comic 'Bird Turd.' Ricardo shares his experiences of working with artists, his first time at San Diego Comic-Con, and upcoming projects, including a new horror anthology and plans for a crime noir story. Tune in for insightful discussions on the world of comic book creation and the importance of persistence in pursuing one's artistic dreams! Head over to his Official website: https://www.rickyinwriting.com/ Make sure to follow Ricardo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickyinwriting/ Check out the Official Instagram of the Bird Turd comic book: https://www.instagram.com/birdturdcomic/ Follow Ricardo on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rickyinwriting    

Join James in the Nerdy Mewzings Podcast studio for yet another exciting episode, this time with Narrative Illustrator, AKA Cartoonist, Conner Herbison! Conner discusses his journey from childhood doodles to pursuing a career in comic art, his experiences with fellow comic book creators like Clayton Rozman, and epic interactions with industry legends such as Geof Darrow and Jeff Lemire. They delve into the intricacies of comic art, storytelling, and the impact of genres and styles. Also, get a sneak peek into Conner's latest project, 'Darvey Plunk,' as well as his thoughts on the evolving comic industry. Tune in and Keep it Nerdy! Visit Conner's Official Website: https://connerherbison.com/ Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connerherbison Check him out on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/connerherbison.bsky.social  

In this episode, James is joined by prolific comic book and animation writer Adam Beechen! They discuss Adam's impressive career trajectory from his early admiration for comics, sparked by a 1970s Spider-Man issue, to his extensive work in animation on shows like 'Teen Titans,' 'Batman: The Animated Series,' and 'The Wild Thornberrys.' Adam shares insights on the differences between writing for comics and animation, his experiences with notable artists and voice actors, and his approach to overcoming writer's block. He also talks about his upcoming online course on comic book writing and new projects, including a Disney+ series about soccer star Lionel Messi! Signup for Adam's Upcoming online comic book writing course here: https://elvtr.com/course/comic-book-writing Visit his Official Website: https://adambeechen.com/ Follow Adam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adambeechen/ Check him out on X: https://x.com/sonnova Follow Adam on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonnova  

In this episode of the Nerdy Mewzings Podcast, James sits down with Kristopher Leithwood, better known as Tartan Ninja, the second-ever comic book colorist to be featured on the podcast! They delve into Kris' journey from wanting to be a penciller to becoming a professional comic book colorist. Tune in as they discuss the therapeutic aspects of coloring, the differences in approach for covers versus sequential pages, and the importance of colorists in the comic book industry. Kris also talks about his interactions with the comic book community on social media and his future aspirations, including a dream to collaborate with Todd McFarlane. A must-listen for comic book enthusiasts and aspiring artists alike! Subscribe to Kristopher's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@tartanninjastudios Follow him on X: https://x.com/TartanNinjaArt Check out Kristopher's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tartanninjaart/ Support him on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/tartanninja    

Join James in the Nerdy Mewzings Podcast studio as he explores the secret world of underground comics with creator Sam McClurg! Learn about Sam's journey from a late comic reader to an underground comic creator, his artistic background, and his inspirations. Discover the unique characteristics of underground comics, the creative process behind Sam's works, and how he navigates the indie comic scene. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation filled with creative tips, industry insights, and passion for comics! Visit Sam's Official website: https://www.sam-mcclurg.com/ Subscribe to Sam's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Sam_McClurg Read Sam's Blog: https://www.sam-mcclurg.com/whats-sam-up-to Checkout his Webtoonz: https://www.webtoons.com/p/community/en/u/sammcclurg  

In this episode, James is joined by comic book writer Clayton Rozman for his first podcast appearance! They discuss Clayton's journey into writing, which began with childhood storytelling, and his deep passion for comic books. They talk about his current projects, including a Batman zine collaboration with artist Raymar Brunson, and his upcoming horror Western comic, 'Yellow Moon.' Clayton shares insights into his writing process, inspirations, and aspirations within the comic book industry. Join the conversation and dive into the creative process of an emerging comic book writer! Check out Clayton's comics for FREE on his Official Website: https://www.claytonrozman.com/ Make sure to follow Clayton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claytonr_comics/  

Welcome to another Nerdy Mewzings Podcast episode! Join James as he sits down with comic book artist & writer Jorge Zevallos, the innovative creator of 'Savage Pulp,' to discuss his unique art style, key influences, and the intricate process behind his compelling works. From old-school brush techniques and the challenges of comic coloring to captivating tales of learning from legendary artists, Jorge shares it all. This episode is packed with insights into the comic book industry, a dive into Jorge's artistic journey and tips for aspiring artists. Tune in for a humorous and motivating conversation that fans of comics and art enthusiasts won't want to miss! Make sure to subscribe to Jorge's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jzeraba  

Join James and Tyler, AKA VenomBuster, on this episode of Nerdy Mewzings Podcast as they venture deep into the world of comic art! Discover Tyler's journey, his artistic influences, and how he's tackling comic projects despite physical challenges. Learn about the tools and techniques he uses, including digital and traditional methods, and get a sneak peek at his upcoming comic project. This episode is packed with insights and inspiration for aspiring artists and comic book enthusiasts alike. Don't miss it! Visit Tyler's Official Website: https://www.artbyvenombuster.com/ Check out his YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@VenomBuster Follow Tyler on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venombusterart/ Make sure to see what he's up to on X: https://x.com/VenomBuster  

In this episode James sits down with comic book creator and YouTuber, Rojo Cova! They explore Cova's artistic journey, his recently launched Kickstarter for his creator owned comic 'AWOL,' and his path from rediscovering comics during the pandemic to establishing a unique presence on YouTube. He shares insights into his work ethic, inspirations from manga and anime, and his commitment to delivering high-quality, passion-driven comics. Tune in to hear about the challenges and triumphs of comic creation, the importance of planning, and Cova's thoughts on the ever evolving landscape of comics and nerd culture! Back AWOL Number One on Kickstarter NOW!: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/awol1/awol-1 Rojo's Offical Website: https://www.avoccomics.com/shop Subscribe to Rojo Cova's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Covaslookout Follow Rojo Cova on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therojocova Join the Cova's Lookout Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/covaslookout