Comic Book Squares

Time for another #indiecomicreview! One of our fans/listeners/watchers was rather tenacious in getting us to review his new comic (Oct. '23) - Blowtorch Bad Roads from Page1 Comics! Thank you for being persistent! Blowtorch Bad Road's first issue is a great entry into a gritty, John Wick-esque type of comic! This black-and-white issue has some really great artistry and the b/w nature really fits with this story. The cover is truly well done and an eye-catcher! We won't give much away here -- just get your hands on it! Looking forward to the next issue! Description: Blowtorch Bad Roads is the bare-knuckled, rough and tumble, gritty, bloody crime thriller you've been waiting for! 🚨 See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares.

We had the incredible opportunity to interview #indiecomic creator, Laurie Calcaterra, creator of Path of the Pale Rider, late last year and while this interview is a bit longer than most, it's well worth it! Path of the Pale Rider was truly delightful to get into and we cannot recommend this series enough! We were lucky enough to read issues 1-3, and this comic has extremely high potential for a BIG future in our humble opinion. This fresh take on the "zombie apocalypse" genre is an emotional and relateable ride! Not just a comic, POTPR has riddles, short films, and a choose-your-own-adventure book. There are multiple ways to participate in the story. Sign up for social media to stay in the link for the next project, issue 4 completion and trade paperback coming early 2024. ➡️ www.pathofthepalerider.com ⬅️ Laurie: linktr.ee/LaurieCalcaterra Marco Defillo: @marco_defillo_art on instagram Matt Chambers: @roninh5x on instagram 🚨 See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares.

Psycho List is a great comic that expertly blends a very real-world issue (dv) with comic book style to take the reader on an intriguing journey. For several reasons, the Squares recommend this issue! This was a review of issue #1 and 6 are showing available on Global Comix from Blackbox Comics. Description: (W) Kevin Grevioux (A/CA) Jonathan Lau After a former FBI agent becomes a therapist, he has a hard time staying out of his patients' lives, taking on their problems as his own. FBI calls him back in for a special case that requires his unique skillset. 🚨 See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares.

The Squares reviewed listener/follower submission "Incision" recently and this was a winner for all of us! Creator Jay Red. Published by Lesser Known Comics. Check out the kickstarter that is happening this month (Jan. 2024)! ➡️ https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jayred/incision-1-a-razor-sharp-90s-homage-comic?ref=clipboard-prelaunch Listen to the full pod on your favorite podcasting platform or watch it here! Synopsis: Over twenty years ago, the world was changed forever by an inter-dimensional incursion known as The Hijack. In its wake, world order struggled to survive, leaving competing territories populated by ordinary people and Jacks, individuals altered by The Hijack and left with strange abilities or physical changes. Our story follows Frank Bergen, also known as Incision, a man plagued by violent blackouts and enhanced with bio-weaponry. After falling under the scrutinizing eye of his unforgiving boss, Antov, Incision is forced on a path to confront the hidden forces haunting him and reclaim a life he can no longer recall. INCISION #1 is 24 pages of full-color adventure! All production work on the issue is complete. If you're a fan of 1990's era superhero comics or colorful gritty action stories then INCISION is for you! Credits: Jay Red- Creator and Artist Billy Diamond Jr- Scripting Maja Opacic- Colors Tom Adimos- Page Flats Published by Lesser Known Comics 🚨 See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares.

In this episode, the Squares review Cold Sky from Black Relic Comics. This comic contains 3 separate stories that take place in the universe Black Relic Comics is creating. Each was quite different. Check out this review where movies like The Fifth Element, Alien/Aliens, and Jaws get mentioned! Cold Sky is a sci-fi space opera set thousands of years into our future. Humankind has stretched out into the stars, leaving Earth far behind, but now as resources get scarce, the peace that has held for 800 years hangs in the balance. But a signal from deep space may be a relic from our past and the key to our future. 🚨 See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares.

We enjoyed it so much the first time -- we invited the "Devil" back to the pod! The "Devil" we say?! Well, an argument could be made. We're speaking with Paul "Haydes" Hayden in this episode! Haydes is the founder of indie comics publisher ASAP Imagination. This time we spoke with Haydes about his many projects and events, along with their creator-owned offshoot The NE1 World. Check out all of ASAP Imagination's comics at https://asapimagination.com. And see the comics of The NE1 World at https://ne1world.com. 🚨 See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares.

In this episode, the Squares are reviewing Fallen #1 of a 4 part series.

Fallen's dark artistry evokes some classic 80's and 90's nostalgia for some of us, along with some more modern movie call-backs (Hello Constantine and Seven!!). Join us for a bit of mystery and muuuurrrrdeeeeerrrrr in Fallen!

Description: Zander Knight's nightmares are about to become real. He is a down-on-his-luck blue collar worker, living in Queen City where dead bodies are starting to pile up. Detective Gunnerson and Detective Mazz try to solve these mysterious deaths. Things start to unravel as Zander encounters the Dragon Queen. Will he make it out of this real nightmare or will he remain the Fallen?

Created by Scales Comics

Find it on Global Comix

🚨 See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares.

In this review, the Squares discuss Plague Seeker! An issue "0" comic from Bad Egg Publishing.

It's a surprising issue with stunning artwork that leaves us wanting to know more!

Description: In the far future, civilization has been destroyed by an event only known as The Calamity. Humanity lives in terror, ruled over by monstrous creatures called the Great Plagues.

Ben Templesmith: Cover Artist

Charlie White: Writer

Dave Sharpe: Letterer

Jackson Clarke: Writer

John Bivens: Cover Artist

Robert Meyers: Editor

Vamkire Trannel: Artist

Vamkire Trannel: Cover Artist

🚨 See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares.

This review episode is about Deathrage. Not our own -- that of Mark Freeman, "Spartan Captain America Deadpool," if you will. We had quite a bit to discuss about this comic. From lettering to the impressive illustrations to a mixed-in origin story that really ties all together for a compelling story leaving readers wanting more! With 6 issues already available on @GlobalComix, we HiGhLy recommend giving it a read and come back here to let us know what you think! Description: In the year 1985, Mark Freeman signs up to be the first of a new line of Spartan super soldier. Something goes wrong in the experiment, and he doesn't turn out at all like they wanted. This six issue standalone story will tell the origin of MERC's Deathrage! 🚨 See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares.

Episode 60 (no, we have not been numbering these but this is where we're at!) is packed with UPDATES!! New host (welcome Karie), update on the contest, restructuring the comic reviews, a host on hiatus, and MORE! ➡️ Please don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review! And you can also find us on your favorite podcast apps! 🚨 See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares.

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Tyler Chin-Tanner, comic creator and Co-Publisher at A Wave Blue World (AWBW). From his early careers in teaching and humanitarian aid work, Tyler Chin-Tanner took the leap into his lifelong passion for comics, attending The Kubert School from 2003 to 2006 and co-founding AWBW with his wife Wendy in 2005. Publishing through AWBW, Tyler writes graphic novels including the New York Times featured American Terrorist and edits anthologies such as the New York Times featured All We Ever Wanted, art books like Punkrock* Jazz, and creator-owned projects including Jack The Radio: Creatures. 🌟 https://twitter.com/TylerChinTanner 🌟 https://www.instagram.com/tyler_awbw/?hl=en 🌟 https://www.facebook.com/AWaveBlueWorld 🌟 https://awbw.com/about/ 🚨 See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares.

In this week's episode, the Comic Book Squares are talking to comic book shop owner Ken Brown! Ken is the owner of Drawn to Comics, a comic shop in Glendale, Arizona. We chat with Ken about not only how he got into the comics industry and why he's still doing it after all these years, but also about how indie comics creators and publishers can get into stores like his. You can learn more about Drawn to Comics - and if you're a creator, maybe reach out to Ken about getting your comics in his shop - at http://drawntocomics.com/. Please don't forget to like and subscribe! And you can also find us on your favorite podcast apps! See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares. Also, please consider donating to the Comic Book Script Contest fund! We're sponsoring a comic book script contest for up-and-coming comic book writers, with cash prizes of $1,000, $500 and $200. Your donation will go toward this prize as well as toward the other prizes we'll be offering our winners. You can donate here: https://dreamfoundry.org/donate-to-dream-foundry/. Just make sure to check the "Comics Script Contest" box.

In this week's episode, the Comic Book Squares have writer Richard Fairgray on the show! Richard is a writer and artist of children's books, but most recently he's been diving into more mature-themed comics with books such as "Haunted Hill" and "Octopus: A Memoir of Flailing." Currently, he's about to run a new Kickstarter campaign for his "most ambitious project on the platform yet," "The Ex-Wives of Frankenstein." You can learn more here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/blastosaurus/the-ex-wives-of-frankenstein-1 Please don't forget to like and subscribe! And you can also find us on your favorite podcast apps! See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares. Also, please consider donating to the Comic Book Script Contest fund! We're sponsoring a comic book script contest for up-and-coming comic book writers, with cash prizes of $1,000, $500 and $200. Your donation will go toward this prize as well as toward the other prizes we'll be offering our winners. You can donate here: https://dreamfoundry.org/donate-to-dream-foundry/. Just make sure to check the "Comics Script Contest" box.

In today's episode, we're talking to comic book creator Travis Gibb!Travis has worked on popular indie comic series such "Coins of Judas," "Voodoo Nations," "Broke Down and Four Dead Bodies," Cthulu Invades Oz," and more!

Keep up with Travis and Orange Cone Productions at https://substack.com/@travisgibb.

Please don't forget to like and subscribe! And you can also find us on your favorite podcast apps! See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares. Also, please consider donating to the Comic Book Script Contest fund! We're sponsoring a comic book script contest for up-and-coming comic book writers, with cash prizes of $1,000, $500 and $200. Your donation will go toward this prize as well as toward the other prizes we'll be offering our winners. You can donate here: https://dreamfoundry.org/donate-to-dream-foundry/. Just make sure to check the "Comics Script Contest" box.

The Squares recently recorded four comic book creator interviews live at Phoenix Fan Fusion 2023! In this final episode from the convention, we're talking to Eisner-winning comic book illustrator Georges Jeanty! Comics fans will recognize his name on comics such as The Mandalorian, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and more! He's also worked on the ‘Firefly/Serenity’ comics, plus critically acclaimed works like ‘Shadow Doctor’ written by Peter Calloway and ‘The American Way’ written by John Ridley. You can keep up with Georges' work at https://kabalounge.com/. Please don't forget to like and subscribe! And you can also find us on your favorite podcast apps! See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares. Also, please consider donating to the Comic Book Script Contest fund! We're sponsoring a comic book script contest for up-and-coming comic book writers, with cash prizes of $1,000, $500 and $200. Your donation will go toward this prize as well as toward the other prizes we'll be offering our winners. You can donate here: https://dreamfoundry.org/donate-to-dream-foundry/. Just make sure to check the "Comics Script Contest" box.

The Squares recently recorded four comic book creator interviews live at Phoenix Fan Fusion 2023! In this third episode from the convention, we're talking to comic book creator Dan Panosian! Comics fans will recognize his name on such recent titles as "Black Tape" from AWA Studios and "Alice Ever After" from Boom! Studios. He's worked for years in the industry, doing art for such Marvel Comics titles as Iron Man, Wolverine, and Alpha Flight, as well as for Image Comics titles like Spawn, Cyber Force, and Savage Dragon.

You can keep up with Dan's work at https://www.instagram.com/urbanbarbarian/. Please don't forget to like and subscribe! And you can also find us on your favorite podcast apps! See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares. Also, please consider donating to the Comic Book Script Contest fund! We're sponsoring a comic book script contest for up-and-coming comic book writers, with cash prizes of $1,000, $500 and $200. Your donation will go toward this prize as well as toward the other prizes we'll be offering our winners. You can donate here: https://dreamfoundry.org/donate-to-dream-foundry/. Just make sure to check the "Comics Script Contest" box.

The Squares recently recorded four comic book creator interviews live at Phoenix Fan Fusion 2023!

In this episode, we're talking to comic book artist Hailey Renee Brown! Hailey has done art for comic book publishers such as Dark Horse, Source Point Press, Dynamite, and Time Bomb Comics. They're also both a biologist and Kubert School grad, so their artistic abilities cover everything from sequential art to illustrations for scientific publications. That's not something you see everyday!

To learn more about Hailey and their past/current projects, check out their website at https://www.hailrenarts.com/.

Please don't forget to like and subscribe! And you can also find us on your favorite podcast apps! See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares. Also, please consider donating to the Comic Book Script Contest fund! We're sponsoring a comic book script contest for up-and-coming comic book writers, with cash prizes of $1,000, $500 and $200. Your donation will go toward this prize as well as toward the other prizes we'll be offering our winners. You can donate here: https://dreamfoundry.org/donate-to-dream-foundry/. Just make sure to check the "Comics Script Contest" box.

Glamour. Glitz. Assassins!

Our next guests have brought all that and more to the comics scene with their new series from Scout Comics, "Death Drop: Drag Assassin"!

Squares Ben and Shane talk to comic book artist Alex Moore and comic book writer David Hazan about "Death Drop" as well as mixing crime noir with drag aesthetics, whether or not publishers are moving away from continuing series in favor of trade paperbacks/graphic novels, and Alex accidentally happening upon an "Eyes Wide Shut" style party!

Here's the official description for "Death Drop: Drag Assassin":

"Death Drop uses her skills to pick up the scent of the missing Lunaira Sun, at the insistence of their drag mother, Mother Henny. What she finds is a trail of corpses robbed of their faces, a leather-clad killer hell-bent on revenge, and an enigmatic and terrifying queen from Mother Henny’s past. To make matters worse, Death Drop can’t shake the feeling that the specter of the assassin mentor she exposed and left for dead years ago is now haunting her every step.

"The search for a connection between these events will take Death Drop from Mother Henny’s Club, Posterior Delusions, through the streets and back-alleys of the gayborhood, to the world beyond. As her past and present collide in a deadly confrontation, Death Drop will be forced to grapple with the idea that escaping from your past and overcoming it are two very different things …"

You can learn more about this miniseries at https://www.scoutcomics.com/collections/death-drop-drag-assassin. You also can keep up with Alex at https://alexmooreillustration.substack.com/. And you can see more David's work at https://davidhazan.com/.

Please don't forget to like and subscribe! And you can also find us on your favorite podcast apps! See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares. Also, please consider donating to the Comic Book Script Contest fund! We're sponsoring a comic book script contest for up-and-coming comic book writers, with cash prizes of $1,000, $500 and $200. Your donation will go toward this prize as well as toward the other prizes we'll be offering our winners. You can donate here: https://dreamfoundry.org/donate-to-dream-foundry/. Just make sure to check the "Comics Script Contest" box.

The effects of many chronic diseases are often unseen, so what if there was a superhero who was invulnerable to physical harm but had to fight to stay alive because of his own body?

That's the premise of the comic book miniseries "Ripple Effects," and we're excited to talk to the series creator and writer Jordan Hart! We talk to Jordan about this series, his own battle with the incurable blood-clotting disease thrombophilia, having to choose what to trim out of lengthy scripts, and much more.

Here's the official description of "Ripple Effects":

"In a world that is no stranger to superheroes, George Gibson is invulnerable to physical harm but fights every day to stay alive. Suffering from an acute case of type 1 diabetes, his invincibility is offset by a defective pancreas that must be monitored and treated daily. This incurable disease makes George's body both his greatest strength and his eternal weakness.

"What sets this series apart is a positive, person-first representation about life with a chronic disease ... which just so happens to also include superhuman abilities. But, Ripple Effects isn't just a story about a character with an incurable disease. It’s also a thrilling and relevant superhero tale that touches on the difficulty of finding a work/life balance, the class struggles and economic inequality experienced by many in our nation, and the desire to help others during trying times."

You can learn more about "Ripple Effects" at https://fanbasepress.com/index.php/publishing/comics/ripple-effects.

Please don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review! And you can also find us on YouTube! See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares. Also, please consider donating to the Comic Book Script Contest fund! We're sponsoring a comic book script contest for up-and-coming comic book writers, with cash prizes of $1,000, $500 and $200. Your donation will go toward this prize as well as toward the other prizes we'll be offering our winners. You can donate here: https://dreamfoundry.org/donate-to-dream-foundry/. Just make sure to check the "Comics Script Contest" box.

We're excited bring back a very special guest, comic book writer and artist Steve Mannion!

We talk to Steve about his new book that features his longtime heroines origin story "Fearless Dawn: The Bomb," as well as about what he's been up to since we talked to him last year, his upcoming appearances and more!

Here's the official description for "Fearless Dawn: The Bomb":

"The long-awaited origin story of Fearless Dawn is finally told! This is a great jumping on point for any comic book fans who are not familiar with this funny, sexy, stumbling super-heroine. Learn how the awkward Prissy Jones got her super-powers and how she creates her own costume of moose elks, action gloves and whoop-ass utility belt. The high octane series also features other colorful characters such as Brownhole Jones in Zombie Island Party, and Jungle Chick and the Dinosaur."

You can order it from Asylum Press now at http://www.asylumpress.com/titles/fearless-dawn.

Please don't forget to like and subscribe! And you can also find us on your favorite podcast apps! See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares. Also, please consider donating to the Comic Book Script Contest fund! We're sponsoring a comic book script contest for up-and-coming comic book writers, with cash prizes of $1,000, $500 and $200. Your donation will go toward this prize as well as toward the other prizes we'll be offering our winners. You can donate here: https://dreamfoundry.org/donate-to-dream-foundry/. Just make sure to check the "Comics Script Contest" box.

Our next guest has been keeping the law and order in comics for years now!

OK, that joke was a stretch. We have failed this city.

We'll stop now! If you haven't guessed it, we're talking to Marc Guggenheim, television writer and producer on everything from "Law and Order" and "Eli Stone" to "Arrow" and "Legends of Tomorrow." He's written comics for IPs such as Star Wars and Star Trek, as well as for Marvel and DC comics such as Punisher, Flash, Daredevil, and Superman.

Now Marc is back to tackling creator-owned comics with his Image Comics series "Torrent" and "Too Dead to Die"! We talk to him about his new series as well as his time writing legal dramas, if writing for TV or comics is easier to break into, and why Kevin Feige hasn't called him to write for the Disney+ Daredevil or She-Hulk series!

Here's the official description for "Torrent":

"From MARC GUGGENHEIM (Arrow X-Men Gold Star Wars: Revelations) and JUSTIN GREENWOOD (THE OLD GUARD: TALES THROUGH TIME Future State: Gotham) the team who brought you the critically acclaimed series Resurrection comes a brand-new superhero universe. Michelle Metcalf is the world's most happy-go-lucky hero CRACKERJACK until tragedy forces her to cross the line from hero to vigilante."

You can learn more about it and order it here: https://imagecomics.com/comics/releases/torrent-1. You can also learn more about "Too Dead to Die" here: https://imagecomics.com/comics/series/too-dead-to-die-a-simon-cross-thriller Please don't forget to like and subscribe! And you can also find us on your favorite podcast apps! See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares. Also, please consider donating to the Comic Book Script Contest fund! We're sponsoring a comic book script contest for up-and-coming comic book writers, with cash prizes of $1,000, $500 and $200. Your donation will go toward this prize as well as toward the other prizes we'll be offering our winners. You can donate here: https://dreamfoundry.org/donate-to-dream-foundry/. Just make sure to check the "Comics Script Contest" box.

It's Hammer time!

This week the Comic Book Squares are joined by comic book creator Ryan Drost to talk about his all-ages superhero comic "Stealth Hammer"!

Besides his comic, we also talk about droids, Icelandic gnomes, and how "Stealth Hammer" was selected as a "Top Book of 2022 That You Should Be Reading." You know, just your everyday stuff.

Here's the official description for "Stealth Hammer":

"Stealth Hammer takes place in a world of high-tech gadgetry and supernatural mythology. It follows the journey of Jami Taylor, who finds herself gaining superpowers and carrying on a family legacy to protect the planet from dark forces."

You can learn more about and buy Ryan's comic at https://stealthhammer.com/. Please don't forget to like and subscribe! And you can also find us on your favorite podcast apps! See all Comic Book Squares links at https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares. Also, please consider donating to the Comic Book Script Contest fund! We're sponsoring a comic book script contest for up-and-coming comic book writers, with cash prizes of $1,000, $500 and $200. Your donation will go toward this prize as well as toward the other prizes we'll be offering our winners. You can donate here: https://dreamfoundry.org/donate-to-dream-foundry/. Just make sure to check the "Comics Script Contest" box.

It's an Omen, it's a Revelation, it's Michael Nunneley and Steve Sellers on Comic Bok Squares!  

In this episode, Michael and Steven join us to talk about the Omen Comics and Revelation Comics universe.   

Omen Comics' Omenverse is a universe of blended myths, legends, & folklore (& even some classical literature) mixed with horror, the supernatural, apocalyptic themes & broken superheroes. Revelation Comics is an imprint of Omen Comics for stories outside of the Omenverse. According to their website, thier "current titles have a broad range of genres from an all-ages superhero comic, a Nigerian war story and a Viking-horror comic. But upcoming titles include more mythology, sci-fi, conspiracy and fantasy."  

You can find out more about them at https://www.patreon.com/OmenComics. You can also see all their links, including the Omen Revelations Podcast at https://linktr.ee/omencomicspodcastnetwork. 

Please don't forget to like and subscribe! And you can also find us on your favorite podcast apps! See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares. Also, please consider donating to the Comic Book Script Contest fund! We're sponsoring a comic book script contest for up-and-coming comic book writers, with cash prizes of $1,000, $500 and $200. Your donation will go toward this prize as well as toward the other prizes we'll be offering our winners. You can donate here: https://dreamfoundry.org/donate-to-dream-foundry/. Just make sure to check the "Comics Script Contest" box.

Marvel, DC, Image, Dark Horse ... our next guest has worked with them all and then some!  

The Squares were excited to chat with Mike Deodato, Jr., a longtime profesional comic book artist who has had a prolific career. He's worked on everything from Incredible Hulk to Batman to Lady Death to Jade Warriors, and now he's brought his talents to AWA Studios. With AWA, he recently won an Eisner for "Not All Robots," and helped kick off their new Resistance Universe. Now the first issue of his newest series, "Red Zone," hit stores on March 1 to rave reviews!  

In this episode Ben and Paul chat with Mike about his past works, the differences between working on corporate-owned and creator-owned comics, and of course his newest comics for AWA.  

Here's the official description for "Red Zone":  

"Randall Crane, an unassuming American professor of Russian and Slavic Studies at NYU, is called in by the US government for a secret international mission back to Russia, where his long-buried secrets come to light. When his support team of commandos is ambushed and killed, it’s up to Randall to fight his way out of Russia using his 'particular set of skills.'”  

You can learn more about "Red Zone" here: https://awastudios.net/series/red-zone/ 

Please don't forget to like and subscribe! And you can also find us on your favorite podcast apps! See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares. Also, please consider donating to the Comic Book Script Contest fund! We're sponsoring a comic book script contest for up-and-coming comic book writers, with cash prizes of $1,000, $500 and $200. Your donation will go toward this prize as well as toward the other prizes we'll be offering our winners. You can donate here: https://dreamfoundry.org/donate-to-dream-foundry/. Just make sure to check the "Comics Script Contest" box.

The Squares recently welcomed Dominique "Mitch Mula" Mitchell on the show!  

Dominique, co-founder of Crypto Money Records and comic series "Lil Bitcoin," talked with us about his projects as well as the intersection of comics and Web3 spaces.  

The "Lil Bitcoin" series, which features both physical and digital comics, was designed by renowned visual artist Tillavision with music by multi-platinum record producer Dominique "Mitch Mula" Mitchell, featuring Grammy-Award winning producer, Illmind.  

Here's an official description:   

"The Lil Bitcoin series is the story of the digital rapper and superhero, L1B1Coin1, aka Lil Bitcoin. The origin of how Lil Bitcoin came into existence thru the genius mind of Satoshi commenced with the release of 'Chapter 1: Satoshis Desk.' Lil Bitcoin, as an avatar, aims to bring hip hop into the metaverse and vice versa through various media such as music, visual art, and comics."  

Learn more at https://lilbitcoin.com/

Please don't forget to like and subscribe! And you can also find us on your favorite podcast apps! See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares

We're excited to finally be able to announce that we're sponsoring the Dream Foundry Comic Book Script Contest!   

When we first started this indie comic review/interview show, our goal was (and still is) to support indie creators. So once we got established as a show, we reached out Dream Foundry, a nonprofit whose mission is "to bolster and sustain the nascent careers of professionals working in the field of speculative literature." Thankfully, they loved our idea for a comic book script writing contest, so they took the reins since they have successfully run writing and art contests for years. We're proud sponsors of the contest, helping to bring in contestants, donations, judges and prize sponsors!   

More details will be released as we lock in the judgest and prize sponsors. But here is what we can tell you right now:  

1. You can donate to the prize fund at https://dreamfoundry.org/donate-to-dream-foundry/

2. The contest submission window will be Sept. 1 - 30, 2023.  

3. The scripts must be between 22 and 24 comic book pages in length (the average length of a single issue of a comic book). 

4. The scripts cannot have been published as a comic book already.  

Additional submission guidelines will be released closer to the submission window.   

Additionally, Ben and Shane will be teaching a workshop at Dream Foundry's Flights of Foundry, an online convention for speculative creators (writers, illustrators, artists, etc.). You can learn more about and register for Flights of Foundry here: https://flights-of-foundry.org/

We're going back to the early days of comics outside of the mainstream and talking to an originator of the underground comix movement!  

The Squares were honored to have Barbara "Willy" Mendes on the show. Barbara was one of the earliest underground comix artists/writers of the 1970s. She shares tales of those wild days, including her journey from fine art to comics to fine art and back again, as well as what it was like being a woman in comics both then and now. We also talk about her newest comic from Red 5 Comics, "Queen of the Cosmos Comix" and much more!  

Here's the official description of "Queen of the Cosmos Comix":  "An autobiographical tale spanning time and space, from creation to the present and onward, renowned artist Willy Mendes' female futurism holds a mystical mirror up to reality. Presenting her first new comic work in decades, the consciousness expanding Queen of Cosmos, plus reprinting for the first time several of her classic underground comix from the 1970s."  

You don't want to miss out on the amazing artwork and storytelling of Willy Mendes! You can buy the book (now in its second printing!) here: https://www.red5comics.com/trade-paperbacks/queen-of-cosmos-comix-2nd-printing 

Please don't forget to like and subscribe! And you can also find us on YouTube! See all Comic Book Squares links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares

We wish we were best friends with this super comic book writer!  

This week, the Squares interview Ringo Award-nominated Jason Inman, the creator of the comic series "Super Best Friend." We talk to Jason about how he moved from the military to writing, his time working on DC Comic's YouTube channel, and how Jimmy Olson would be a lot different in the age of smartphones!  

Here's the official description of "Super Best Friend":  

"Mattie Moore loves recording videos about superheroes. Unfortunately, one of his livestreams wrecked the life of his best friend, the superhero, Captain Terrific. Now, Mattie has entered the fantastic world of heroes and villains to repair his friendship. BUT WATCH OUT! There's a bitter archenemy out to get revenge and threaten Mattie's channel and life! Does the Super Best Friend have the power to defeat the monstrous Citizen Tyranny and save his best friend?  

"Super Best Friend is a comic series that tackles the nuances of friendship and sidekicks. Fans of Superman, Booster Gold and Spider-Man will not want to miss out!"  

You can learn more about the series and back it on Kickstarter here: superbestfriendcomic.com  

Please don't forget to like and subscribe! And you can also find us on YouTube! See all of our links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares

We're heads over heels for the work of this comic book writer!  

This week, the Squares interview AJ O. Mason, the writer of comic series "Headcases," as well as the upcoming graphic novel from IDW, "Kloud 9." We talk to AJ about how he got started in the comics industry as a writer, the lucky break that got him a deal with IDW, and how a guy so young can write about marriage like he's been in one for 30 years.  

Here's the official description of "Headcases":  

"It’s a routine morning subway ride to school in New York, circa 1999. Hila and Ramon, two bored teens, steal a man’s bag on a whim. When they eventually manage to lose the stranger, Hila opens the bag and can’t believe what she’s seeing inside: there is a severed head! Thus begins the zany chain of events where a trained hitman, an FBI agent, and others are hunting the teens down to get the head back!"  

Check out all of AJ's comics and keep up with his future work at his website: https://ajomason.com/  

Please don't forget to like and subscribe! And you can also find us on YouTube! See all of our links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares

And now for a hero with a different kind of red cape!  

In this week's episode, the Squares are joined by Steve Prince, the creator of the comic book series "Monster Matador." Besides his action-packed series, we talk about 80s action movies (looking at you, Predator!), how indie comics are the last bastion of creativity, and his time in the toy industry.  

Here's the official description of "Monster Matador: Tango of the Matadors":   

"A delightfully demented post-apocalyptic throw-down in which Matador Ramon Alejandro Estévez-Guerrero take up his sword and cape against the monsters that turned the world into a lawless, Kaiju-infested hellscape. Fighting alongside a rag-tag group of locals will their combined forces be enough to end the TERROR OF THE VOALGANTE?!" 

You can read and buy issues of "Monster Matador: Tango of the Matadors" at GlobalComix: https://globalcomix.com/c/monster-matador-tango-of-the-matadors  

You can also read the follow-up "Monster Matador: Afripocalypse" at GlobalComix: https://globalcomix.com/c/monster-matador-afripocalypse  

Please don't forget to like and subscribe! And you can also find us on YouTube! See all of our links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares

We're going full "Tilt" on this episode!  

The Squares sit down with Aaron Dowen, the editor-in-chief, writer and founder of Catalyst Comics. We chat about his comic series "Tilt" as well as marketing comic books, are comic conventions good for comic creators, and the future of his indie comic book company.  

Here's the official description of "Tilt":   

"Tilt is the fourth wall breaking, gritty, and self-aware superhero story that follows Patrick Eitilt; a homeless superhero in Boston. It chronicles the story of his past, and what pushed him into becoming the hero that he is today.   

"His story is tied directly into the Catalyst Comics Universe, and will explore the agents of the Council of Elders; a secret organization bent on exploiting, controlling, or eliminating, hyper-evo’s. Patrick became the subject of countless experiments, each grooming him to be one of the most powerful agents of the Council. Now escaped, Patrick is dedicated to keeping his city safe, while tracking down those that manipulated him."  

You can read "Tilt" and other Catalyst Comics series now on GlobalComix! Check it out: https://globalcomix.com/a/catalyst-comics-studio 

Please don't forget to like and subscribe! And you can also find us on YouTube! See all of our links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares

The pagan goddess of Britain is on the loose in modern day London!  In this episode, the Squares talk to Chris Mole, creator and writer of the the comic book series "Brigantia." 

We talk to Chris about researching mythical and historical characters, how he works with artists, creating a British superhero, and what the future holds!  

Here's the official desription of "Brigantia":  "Brigantia is the story of a Celtic goddess who is flung through time into the near-future by her mortal foe, Veteris, and finds herself in a Britain that barely resembles the world she knew. As she struggles to find Veteris, defeat him and return to her own time period, she also finds more and more reasons to stay in the future and help the people of this time."  

Learn more and find more comics from Chris at https://www.chrismole.co.uk/comics/.  

Please don't forget to like and subscribe! And you can also find us on YouTube! See all of our links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares

We're talking to the Devil himself this week!  

At least, that's the nickname of this week's guest Paul "Haydes" Hayden, the founder of indie comics publisher ASAP Imagination. Ben, Mike, Paul and Shane talk to Haydes about establishing a publishing company, ASAP's current slate of comics, and their creator-owned offshoot The NE1 World.  

ASAP's current roster includes comics such as "OPSEC," "Points of Villainy," "Messiah," "Sister Grim," "Whole" and "Dead of Knight." Here's the official description of the ASAP shared continuity universe:   

"For weeks there have been encounters: people experiencing things they can't explain, horrors coming out of the shadows, people's worst fears come to life. Appearances have been increasing dramatically, until one day there is a surge. An army of terror appears and attacks Central London in what will forever be known as The Event."  

Check out all of ASAP Imagination's comics at https://asapimagination.com. And see the comics of The NE1 World at https://ne1world.com.  

Please don't forget to like and subscribe! And you can also find us on YouTube! See all of our links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares

We're stoked to have one of our favorite comic creators back on the show!  

Anthony Stokes is the creator successful indie comic "Decay," as well as upcoming title "Intrusive Thoughts." On top of writing these comics, he is also his own marketing team, finding unique ways to get people talking about his comic books ... and buying them!  

Issue 3 of "Decay" is now on Kickstarter! You can back the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/decay/decay-issue-1-3-all-i-know-is-pain. You can also buy the comics at https://decaycomicbook.bigcartel.com/.  

Here is the official description for "Decay": "Jess brings her brother DK back from the dead when he gets shot at a house party, but after he starts a murderous rampage for revenge she may come to regret that decision."  

Please don't forget to like and subscribe! And you can also find us on YouTube! See all of our links here: https://linktr.ee/comicbooksquares