Nerdy Mewzings

Reese Hannigan | Star Wars Comic Artist Reveals What It’s REALLY Like Drawing The Bad Batch

Join James in the Nerdy Mewzings studio as he chats with rising Irish comic book artist Reese Hannigan, proudly the first Irishman to appear on the podcast!
Reese dives into his journey:
-Growing up inspired by cartoons, Spider-Man movies, Todd McFarlane, and early YouTube art videos
-Transitioning from traditional to digital workflow (Clip Studio lover!)
-Breaking into comics, influenced by fellow Irish artists like Danny Earls
-Working on Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories – The Bad Batch: Rogue Agents (and previous Ghost Agents miniseries) for Dark Horse Comics
-Recent cover work for Dynamite (Terminator, Shredder, Supernatural, Peter Cannon Thunderbolt)
-Balancing a day job, deadlines, and going full-time freelance soon
A fun, inspiring talk for aspiring artists about persistence, digital tools, finding your style, and living the Star Wars dream!
Follow Reese: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reesehanniganart
X/Twitter: https://x.com/Reesehannart
 

Nerd Crawler to Raremarq: $2M+ for Artists & Game-Changing Tech Revealed | Chris Tung

Join James once again in the Nerdy Mewzings Podcast studio, as he completes the trilogy with Chris Tung, founder of Raremarq (formerly Nerd Crawler), in a fun and insightful chat about building a powerhouse marketplace for comic book art lovers!
Chris shares exciting updates on Raremarq's growth:
-Helped creators earn over $2 million in under two years
-Lower fees (starting at 6%), secure escrow protection, and vetted sellers featuring top names like Frank Cho and Artgerm
-New tools: Auction Now Shopify app and AuctionNow.ai platform to launch your own real-time auctions and online store (starting free!)
-Bringing auction tech to more creators, reps, shops, and fans worldwide
Plus casual talk on movie trilogies, collecting challenges, Berserk manga love, and the joy of giving back to the comic community.
Perfect for artists looking to sell originals, collectors hunting rare pieces, or anyone curious about the business side of original comic book art!
Visit Raremarq: https://www.raremarq.com/ (with a Q!)
Shopify Sellers: Search "Auction Now" in the Shopify App Store
Launch Your Store: https://auctionnow.ai/
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raremarq
 

Comic Artist & Writer Nick Pitarra: Frank Quitely Stories & Manifesting Ax-Wielder Jon

Dive into an epic chat with comic artist & writer Nick Pitarra (The Manhattan Projects, Ax-Wielder Jon) as he shares his wild journey breaking into comics, pulling insane all-nighters, his deep love for influences like Frank Quitely, Moebius, and Geof Darrow, collaborating with Jonathan Hickman, and the heartfelt origin of his creator-owned barbarian masterpiece Ax-Wielder Jon. We also geek out over arm wrestling training, studio grind stories, and why finding your artistic voice matters more than perfect anatomy. Whether you're an aspiring artist, a die-hard indie comics fan, or just love behind-the-scenes creator stories—this one's for you! 
Staying Connected:
Social Media and Art
Follow Nick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickpitarra
Follow Nick on X/AKA Twitter: https://www.x.com/nickpitarra
Check his original art: https://www.felixcomicart.com/ArtistGalleryTitles.asp?ArtistId=568
 

Nick Dragotta’s Absolute Batman BOOM & Art Collecting Secrets: Felix Lu

This week James had the honor of chatting with Felix Lu of Felix Comic Art, a comic book artist representative who works with acclaimed superstars like Ryan Ottley, Daniel Warren Johnson, Nick Dragotta and many more. They discussed the intricacies of the art representation industry, the significance of original art sales, and the ever evolving landscape of comic book art collecting. The conversation also touches on Felix’s personal connections and stories, including his first original art purchase, the booming success of Absolute Batman, and essential advice for new collectors.
If you’re obsessed with Absolute Batman, trying to collect Nick Dragotta art, or just want to know how one series completely rewrote the original art market — this is the interview everyone will be talking about.
New episodes every week!
Follow Felix for every new Drop (you do NOT want to miss the next one):
https://www.felixcomicart.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felixcomicart
X/Twitter: https://x.com/FelixComicArt
Newsletter sign-up (most important): https://www.felixcomicart.com
 

Jim Mahfood: ARACHNID ENFORCER, Gangster Boogie, & Indie Comic Secrets

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.comAll 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!

Spawn Covers, Danny Earls, & Rob Liefeld's Youngblood! | Colorist Steve Canon Returns

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!

Caleb Palmquist: Unicorn Vampire Hunter, 40+ Kickstarters & Swords of Arthur

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 & SpotifySupport: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings (lost episodes, stickers, live shows)

Erica D’Urso Returns: Immortal Legend Batman, Dan Mora & Creator-Owned Secrets

🦇 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

Steve Rude Reveals Nexus Struggles, Jack Kirby Secrets & Animation Dream

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!

Siya Oum Exclusive on Neo Wonderland, College, & Marvel Covers!

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