Nerdy Mewzings

The Art of Inking: Marc Deering on Star Wars, Flipside Comics, & Traditional vs Digital Techniques

Join host James for an in-depth chat with veteran comic book inker Marc Deering (Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Immortal Hulk, Hunt Kill Repeat, The Adventures of Lumen N from Dark Horse)! Marc shares his journey from discovering inking via Wizard Magazine in the pre-internet era, landing his first gig in 2003, favorite tools (Raphael brushes, Hunt 102 quills, even old Rapidographs), hybrid traditional/digital workflows, and what an inker really brings to pencils (texture, tone, lighting, readability).
We geek out over Star Wars (inking Darth Vader was a career highlight!), Transformers, GI Joe, the old-school production grind vs. today, embellishment vs. finishing, and why collaboration duos are rarer now. He also opens up about co-founding Flipside Comics — a hub for serialized web comics, public domain gems, creator-owned projects, and even an 80s/soundtrack radio station for artists.
Plus:
—killer advice for breaking in today
—make your own comics, use social media, focus on direct-to-fans
—and why passion beats luck
Whether you're an aspiring artist, comic fan, or just love the craft, this one's packed with stories, laughs, and real talk.
Watch/Listen/Subscribe/Follow/Comment/Review Now and Keep it Nerdy!
Checkout the Official Flipside Comics Website:
https://ontheflipsidecomics.com/en/
Follow Marc and Flipside Comics:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marcdeering
and https://www.instagram.com/flipsidecomix
X/Twitter - https://x.com/Marc_Deering
and https://x.com/FlipsideComix
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome Back (Again): Technical Difficulties & Shoutouts
02:30 Marc Deering’s Origin Story: Army Days, Wizard Magazine & Breaking In
04:51 Early Inking Tools: Brushes, Quills, and Learning from Pros
07:14 RapidoGraph Love/Hate: Cleaning, Collecting, and Old-School Gear
10:05 Traditional vs Digital Inking: Choosing the Right Workflow
11:50 Inking Over Pencils: Blue Lines, Hybrids, and Nerve-Wracking Pages
17:21 What an Inker Actually Does: Clarity, Texture, Tone & Readability
20:39 Embellisher vs Finisher: Classic Collabs and Why They’re Rarer Now
24:40 Shared Nerd Passions: GI Joe Tattoo, Transformers, and Collecting Talk
28:42 The Pandemic Pivot
29:28 Transformers & Star Wars Fandom: Prequels, Sequels, and the Disney Era
31:51 Inking Highlights: Doctor Aphra, Vader Pages, and Immortal Hulk
35:13 What an Inker Looks For: Tight Pencils, Team Chemistry, and Workflow Changes
39:13 How 'Adventures of Lumen N' Happened: Tryouts, Twitter, and Becoming Co-Owner
43:21 Launching Flipside Comics: Website, Merch, and Serialized Releases
46:47 Public Domain Characters: What You Can (and Can’t) Do With Superman, Conan, and More
49:34 Flipside Radio + Writing Slate: New Projects and Creative Direction Beyond Superheroes
53:32 Breaking Into Comics Today: Direct-to-Consumer, Social Media, and “Just Make a Comic”
56:11 Wrap-Up: Where to Follow, Current Projects, and Final Thanks

Sedat Oezgen on The Whisper War: Sci-Fi Murder Mystery Comic with Mark Guggenheim!

Join James for the epic return visit of comic book artist Sedat Oezgen as he breaks silence on his massive new project: The Whisper War – a provocative sci-fi murder mystery written by Emmy-winner Marc Guggenheim (Arrow, Star Wars, Planet of the Apes)!
Dropping February 10, 2026 exclusively on Comixology Originals (digital-first), this 5-issue series blends futuristic noir, forgotten wars, and mind-bending twists. Sedat shares his insane process: oversized 16x22 pages, one-page-per-day pace, hybrid traditional/digital workflow, unique world-building (no Star Wars/Blade Runner clones!), and why he pushed himself to the limit for this passion project.
Highlights: Guggenheim tailoring the script to Sedat's strengths, stunning colors by Carlos Cabrera, teases of shocking issue #2 twists, Sedat's upcoming DC/Green Lantern work, and why indie comics matter.
Pre-order The Whisper War now on Comixology: https://a.co/d/0c2wKPy7
Follow Sedat:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sedatoezgen
Subscribe to his YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@sedatoezgen
Follow the podcast:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nerdymewzings
X - https://x.com/nerdymewzings
Become a member - https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Reintroduction
00:50 The Long-Awaited Project Reveal
03:17 Challenges and Triumphs in Creation
06:25 Collaboration with Mark Guggenheim
08:48 World-Building Inspirations
13:55 Unique Sci-Fi Elements
21:55 The Whisper War: Plot Overview
26:39 Process and Passion Behind the Art
30:33 Burnout and New York Script Arrival
30:45 DC Short Story and Whisper War Progress
32:14 Collaboration with Mark and Carlos
34:39 Digital and Traditional Art Workflow
42:07 Maintaining Quality Under Pressure
46:03 Upcoming Projects and Green Lantern
54:02 Supporting Indie Comics
54:54 Follow Sedat on Instagram
If you love sci-fi comics, creator-owned stories, or behind-the-scenes artist talks, please follow the podcast and leave a 5 STAR review!

Persistence Prevails: Todd Beats on Finding Your True Style & Never Giving Up

Join James in the Nerdy Mewzings Podcast studio as he sits down once again with comic artist Todd Beats for an inspiring, no-filter conversation about persistence, artistic evolution, and staying true to your creative voice! Fresh off conventions and exciting new cover projects (including The Maxx, a Darkness variant for Marc Silvestri, and VeeFriends for Gary Vee), Todd opens up about:
-Why daily practice and feeding your “truest self” matters more than chasing trends
-How he’s evolving his inking and rendering style in real time
-The mindset shift from perfectionism to joyful expression
-Closing commissions to make room for sequential storytelling in 2025
-Advice for aspiring artists: just show up, put in the reps, and let your unique voice emerge
If you’re an artist grinding toward your breakthrough or just love honest talks about the creative journey, this episode is pure motivation!
Follow Todd: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddbeats
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToddBeatsART
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toddbeats.art
Website & newsletter: https://toddbeats.com
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter 01:09 Weather Talk and Regional Differences 02:35 Convention Experiences and Social Media Impact 04:29 Artistic Evolution and Inspirations 06:34 Persistence and Artistic Advice 10:19 Finding Your True Self Through Art 16:38 Influences and Developing a Unique Style 28:29 Live Streaming and Community Engagement 31:44 Fan Encounter and Artistic Journey 33:44 The Importance of Humility and Continuous Learning 35:34 Future Plans and Evolving Skills 38:26 Balancing Commissions and Personal Growth 42:32 Exciting Projects and Collaborations 49:53 Reflecting on Success and Future Goals
Tune in every Monday for a new episode featuring another amazing creator! Enjoying the podcast? Please considering following and giving a 5 star review. It's FREE and the easiest way to help ensure more people get to experience the show :) Thanks and Keep it Nerdy!

Indie Creator Builds Pro-Level Comic in His Spare Time: Brandon Paul's Chuk Maxwell Journey

Join me on Nerdy Mewzings as I sit down with talented comic book writer and artist Brandon Paul in his very first podcast appearance! We dig into his creator-owned debut: The Adventures of Chuk Maxwell — a thrilling post-apocalyptic space western featuring a gun-slinging, hover-tank-piloting canine freelancer from an alien world. If you love indie comics, gritty storytelling, stunning art inspired by Mignola, Moebius, Geof Darrow, and Daniel Warren Johnson, and the journey of a solo creator grinding late nights while balancing a day job and family — this episode is for you.
Brandon shares:
-How a drawing of his dog in a desert hover tank sparked an entire comic series
-Transitioning from animation school (2009 recession era) to self-publishing his first 28-page issue
-Influences from Hellboy, Batman: The Animated Series, and epic road trips to Monument Valley
-His workflow: digital/hybrid inking in Photoshop, learning from InkTober, SVS Learn pro classes, and tough-but-helpful portfolio reviews
-The cliffhanger ending of Issue #1 (trust me, you'll want Issue #2 ASAP!)
-Dream projects (Thor? Hellboy?), favorite creators (Daniel Warren Johnson love!), and plans for the 5-issue arc
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro & first podcast vibes
02:00 - Chuk Maxwell origin: dog-inspired InkTober → full comic
05:00 - Late-blooming comic fan: Hellboy gateway, Mignola influence
08:00 - Animation background → solo comic creation
14:00 - Detour project under NDA + getting back to Chuk
17:00 - Ink Pulp, Jake Parker, SVS Learn shoutouts
20:00 - Writing & art process: Marvel method vibes, digital tools
26:00 - Issue #2 progress + Slack method drawing
30:00 - Balancing day job, family, and comics
35:00 - Daniel Warren Johnson fandom & creator inspiration
40:00 - Dream gigs: Thor, Silver Surfer, Hellboy?
45:00 - Cons, Instagram traction, future plans (Kickstarter?)
50:00 - Where to buy Chuk Maxwell & follow Brandon
Grab Issue #1 (physical or PDF) here: https://chukbook.com
or https://www.bpaul.art/shop
Follow Brandon:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bpaul.art
Website: https://www.bpaul.art/
If you're an aspiring comic creator, artist, or just love discovering fresh indie books, if this episode inspired you, FOLLOW Nerdy Mewzings Podcast for more creator interviews, and drop a FIVE star review!

Derek Laufman: From 90s Image Comics Obsession to Drawing I Hate Fairyland!

Join James once again in the Nerdy Mewzings Podcast studio for an epic, nostalgic deep dive with acclaimed cartoonist & writer Derek Laufman — the ongoing artist on Skottie Young's hit series I Hate Fairyland from Image Comics!
In this must-watch interview, Derek shares his wild journey through the comic industry:
-Growing up obsessed with 90s Image Comics legends like Todd McFarlane, Jim Lee, and Rob Liefeld
-The highs and lows of animation school at Sheridan College
-Heartbreaking early setbacks in comics; pivots into video games and freelance
-Rediscovering his passion through forums like Digital Webbing and DeviantArt
-And finally landing the dream gig on I Hate Fairyland after years of creator-owned work.
We geek out over GI Joe, Spawn speculation, the magic of old-school forums (shoutout to Ryan Ottley, Ryan Stegman, and the "cool kids" like Scotty Young), finding your artistic voice, the importance of fundamentals over flash, and why it's never too late to chase your comic dreams — Derek was 47 when he went full-time on Fairyland! Plus, Derek talks about his own incredible creator-owned books like Ruinworld, Bot-9 (wordless graphic novel inspired by Miyazaki), The Witch of Wickerson, Crimson Fall (Hellboy + Witcher vibes), and his current project Rats of Ironwood.
If you're an aspiring artist, comic fan, or just love hearing real stories from the trenches of the industry, this one's for you.
Drop a review: What's your favorite Image Comics era? Or which Derek project are you grabbing next?
Follow for weekly comic creator interviews, art talk, and pop culture deep dives!
Follow Derek Laufman:
Website & Shop: https://www.dereklaufman.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dereklaufman
X - https://x.com/laufman
(check his bio for all links!)
Support Nerdy Mewzings:
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/nerdymewzings
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nerdymewzings
X - https://x.com/nerdymewzings
 

Brett Bean: Image Comics Series D'ORC: Half-Dwarf, Half-Orc Chaos Incoming!

Join me on the Nerdy Mewzings Podcast for an epic, heartfelt conversation with the incredibly talented Brett Bean — artist behind I Hate Fairyland, Dungeon Crawler Carl: The Crocodile, and now his brand-new creator-owned high-fantasy comedy series D'ORC launching February 4, 2026 from Image Comics! Brett shares his wild journey: skipping school to read Savage Sword of Conan at a Circle K (and getting picked up by the police!), growing up in a religious household where comics were hidden treasures, losing everything in a fire (echoing Eric Larsen's story), transitioning from video games (Sony's Syphon Filter & SOCOM), concept art, Jim Henson puppet design (!), and finally chasing his lifelong dream of making comics.
We bond over Washington State roots, destroyed childhood comic collections by family, religious upbringings clashing with Spawn and heavy metal mags, supportive spouses, avoiding burnout, and the magic of problem-solving in creative careers. Plus, the big reveal: D'ORC — a hilarious half-dwarf, half-orc misfit (all DORK!) caught in a doomsday prophecy that says he's destined to end the world. Elves vs. Orcs, wizards vs. common sense, dragons vs. everyone... and a chicken? Perfect for fans of Conan, Lord of the Rings, and deadpan humor like Gert's. With stunning art by Brett, colors by Jean-François Beaulieu (I Hate Fairyland), and letters by Nate Piekos (Minor Threats), plus insane variant covers from Ryan Ottley, Ryan Stegman, Mirka Andolfo, and more — this is the fantasy romp we've been waiting for!
We also geek out over influences (Bill Watterson, Todd McFarlane, Mike Mignola, Moebius, Eastman & Laird's TMNT, and modern stars like Daniel Warren Johnson), original art collections, Star Wars prototypes, Muppets, and why passion is more important than perfection.
If you love creator journeys, fantasy comics, or just great nerdy chats, hit play now. Don't forget to buy D'ORC #1 at your local comic shop February 4th and Keep it nerdy!
Follow Brett:
Website - https://www.brettbean.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brett2dbean
Substack - https://brettbean.substack.com/
 

How to Blend TCG & Comic Books: Alpha Clash Creators Reveal Mark Waid Collab!

Join James in an EXTRA packed Nerdy Mewzings Podcast studio as he welcomes Ridge Kiley (President/CEO of Rising Empire Studios and Creator of Alpha Clash TCG) and writer AJ Light (Alpha Clash Co-Creator) for an energetic chat about building a new comic + trading card game universe from the ground up!
The guys share:
-How the pandemic sparked the idea for a wizard battle royale video game that evolved into a full multimedia franchise
-Turning graphic novels, novels, and comics into core drivers for the Alpha Clash trading card game
-The surreal journey of teaming up with legendary writer Mark Waid (Flash, Kingdom Come) to co-write a new 3-issue comic arc
-Upcoming Kickstarter launching January 20, 2026: Alpha Clash: Rising Empires – 3 issues, tons of variant covers, ultra collectibles, and digital options
-Lessons on comic scripting, collaborating with artists, and balancing superpowers for both story and gameplay
Perfect for comic fans, TCG players, and anyone inspired by indie creators building their own universe!
Support the Kickstarter (pre-launch page live): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/alphaclash/alpha-clash-rising-empires-by-mark-waid-and-aj-light-1-3
Official Website: https://alphaclashtcg.com/
Follow on Instagram: Alpha Clash - https://www.instagram.com/alphaclashtcg
Rising Empire Studios - https://www.instagram.com/rising_empire_studios
Ridge Kiley - https://www.instagram.com/kiley_wrestling
AJ Light - https://www.instagram.com/ajlightwriter
Mark Waid - https://www.instagram.com/markwaidwriter
 

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