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My guest today is a published writer and creator. He first got on the scene with Junior Braves of the Apocalypse, which he describes as a “The Goonies meets The Walking Dead.”His latest series, Starlite, features a group of former child superheroes trapped in space with space cat-pirates and trans-dimensional spider-wizards.Starlite is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER through 6/2/21. Go support it HERE!LINKS:Starlite’s Kickstarter Page - www.starlitecomicbook.comSOCIAL MEDIA:Twitter - @ThatAmazingTwitInstagram - @ThatAmazingTwitStarlite on Twitter - @StarliteComicStarlite on Instagram - @StarliteComic

My guest today is Curtis “Specks” Thompson, the writer and creator of the comic series Legacy of the View. His series follows southern high school student Chaz Johnson, as he comes to terms with his new superpowers while just wanting to live his normal teenage life as a baseball player.After his first foray on Kickstarter failed, Curtis took measurable steps to increase his audience, and relaunched to success. We find out exactly how he did it in this episode (his current Kickstarter just passed his funding goal, and he’s on to stretch goals!).Enjoy!Legacy of the View is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER through 6/3/2021. You can support it HERE!SHOW NOTES:Legacy of the View on Kickstarter - www.kickstarter.com/projects/specks706/legacy-of-the-view-3Legacy of the View’s Website - www.legacyoftheview.comSOCIAL MEDIA:Facebook - @LegacyOfTheViewInstagram - @LegacyOfTheView

KJ Kaminski had a problem. His first series, The Resistants (along with its spin-offs), had been fairly well received. KJ found himself attending conventions all across America.But what do you do when your new title is coming out?It’s totally new and totally different, so you might be worried about whether your existing audience will jump on board for another series!KJ and I talk about his fears and apprehensions with launching his new series, Sophia Saturn, and what steps he took to launch this new title to the stars!Enjoy!Sophia Saturn is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER through 4/30/21. You can support it HERE!SHOW NOTESSophia Saturn #1 - 5 Kickstarter - www.sophiasaturn.comBig Blue Comics’ Website - www.bigbluecomics.comSOCIAL MEDIAFacebook - @BigBlueComicsTwitter - @BigBlueComicsKJ on Twitter - @KJKaminski11Instagram - @BigBlueComics

Enenra is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER through 3/26/21. You can support it HERE!LINKS:Enenra’s Kickstarter Page - www.kickstarter.com/projects/a-aron/enenra-issue-3-and-4SOCIAL MEDIA:Twitter - @Aaron_WrobFacebook - @EnenraGNovelFacebook - @AJRoblewski1

Nicholas Mueller had a problem.He had just launched his first book, Demon Hunter Raven, but it was barely getting any traction! After his first campaign barely funded, he realized something needed to change.Now, Nicholas is four issues into his comic series, and his latest crowdfunding launch funded in mere days. We’re talking with him about his work and career, and how he grew his fanbase and built momentum by just “being a real person.”If you’re looking for some strategies to build your brand, this is the one to listen to!Enjoy!Demon Hunter Raven is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER through 3/19/21. You can support it HERE!SHOW NOTES:Demon Hunter Raven #0 - 3 Kickstarter - www.kickstarter.com/projects/dhrchap1/demon-hunter-raven-chapter-3BMR Comics Website - www.bmrcomics.comSOCIAL MEDIA:Facebook - @BMRComicsTwitter - @NicholasMulle7Instagram - @BMRComics

My guest today is a comic book artist, writer, and creator who left her hometown in the United States to live abroad in Kushima, Japan. She’s the creator of Maiden in Disguise, a comic book following the coming-of-age story of a gamer girl and her epic hero avatar in an online MMORPG. We talk about the highs and lows of writing AND creating, the differences between American and Japanese comics and culture, and so much more! Maiden in Disguise is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER through 3/11/21. You can support it HERE! SHOW NOTES: Maiden in Disguise Kickstarter - www.kickstarter.com/projects/thebitzr/maiden-in-disguise-manga-1-gamer-girl-or-epic-hero Eotera Website (Home of Bitsy’s Multiverse) - www.eotera.com SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram - @BitsyTandem_TheBitzr Twitter - @TheBitzr Facebook - @theBitzr

In this episode of Under the Mask, we’re taking you back to a time where comic titles were liberally littered with colorful adjectives. Words like uncanny, fantastic, and sensational!Randy Stone is a comic book writer and creator, known for his works Champion, published by Arcana, and Eskimo Kisses, published by Scout Comics. He’s also the creator of the crime-noir comic anthology Crime Pays.His latest work, The Sensational Swan #1, features a psychiatrist by day who’s also a superhero when the sun goes down? How would he diagnose himself? We discuss The Sensational Swan as well as finding a creative team, how this and his last anthology have raised his visibility in the comics scene.The Sensational Swan #1 is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER through 2/28/21. You can support it HERE.Enjoy!LINKS:The Sensational Swan Kickstarter - www.altruistcomics.com/swanAltruist Comics Website = www.altruistcomics.comSOCIAL MEDIA:Facebook - @altruistcomicsTwitter - @altruistcomicsRandy Stone’s Twitter - @randystonecotw

This week, I’m talking with Gustavo Soria, a comic book writer, creator, and artist based out of Guatemala.Soria released his debut comic book, The Table, as a webcomic. He recently printed the book and put it on the #1 online sales platform, Amazon. We talk about his process behind creating, how an editor helped him focus, and also how the Guatemalan comic book scene is different than America.Enjoy!The Table is available to read for free as a webcomic HERE. You can also buy a physical copy of The Table on Amazon HERE.SHOW NOTES:The Table Webcomic - www.zigmacomics.com/thetableThe Table on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Table-Gustavo-SoriaSOCIAL MEDIA:Facebook - @TheZigmaComicsInstagram - @Zigma_Comics

This is a candid discussion with J.W. Sims that was cut from the final episode. J.W. Sims has had a tough couple of years: he was diagnosed with cancer, and had to deal with several personal losses. I didn’t know this when going into the interview with him, and our talk took a small detour discussing those issues.I’m sharing this mostly unedited because, even though we are comic creators, above all we are HUMAN, and oftentimes this is information that wouldn’t be shared.I am sharing this in the hopes that, if you need to hear one of the many messages in this conversation, you hear it. And know that if you are in a bad place, there is help.

This week, I’m talking with comic book artist and colorist J.W. Sims, colorist of Broke Down and Four Dead Bodies. He’s also the owner of Hooligan Alley Comics, publishing books like Darkest Night and Project 34. In latest work, Omni #1, we find out what happens when comic book geek Floyd Miller gains superpowers, and models himself after his favorite fictional superhero, Mega. Omni #1 is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER through 1/28/21. Go support it HERE! SHOW NOTES: Omni #1 Kickstarter - www.kickstarter.com/projects/hooliganalleycomics1/omni-1 Hooligan Alley Comics’ Website - www.hooliganalleycomics.com SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook - @TheHooliganAlleyComics Twitter - @JWSims34 Instagram - @HooliganAlley_Comics

This week, I’m speaking with professional artist Patrick Beurmeyer about how networking, marketing, and just a little bit of luck have led to him being a full-time artist.Patrick is the full-time artist for Dark Tidings Press, celebrating this holiday season with the brand new Discordia Holiday Special: The Rotted Lyre and Apocrypha #1.Enjoy!The Rotted Lyre and Apocrypha #1 is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER through 12/29/20. Go support it HERE!LINKS:Discordia Winter Special’s Kickstarter - www.kickstarter.com/projects/darktidingspress/the-rotted-lyre-and-apocrypha-1-a-discordia-winter-specialPatrick’s Professional Website - www.patrickbuermeyerart.comSOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram - @PatrickBuerArtTwitter - @Polywags86

This week, I’m talking with Sam Johnson, a UK based comic book writer and creator. Sam’s the creator of Geek Girl, where popular girl Ruby finds a pair of high-tech glasses which grant her super powers, but also super kutziness!Enjoy!Geek Girl is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER through December 18th! Go support it HERE!SHOW NOTES:Geek Girl’s Kickstarter Page - www.geekgirlcomics.comSOCIAL MEDIA:Facebook - @geekgirlcomicTwitter - @GKickstarterInstagram - @SamJohnsonComics

Imagine a world where fictional characters are invading our real world, and there’s only two librarians who can stop it…and save the world. That’s the concept behind the latest project of today’s guest.Will Allred is a comic book writer and creator, whose previous credits include Diary of Night, a vampire story, and he’s contributed multiple stories to the anthology series Always Punch Nazis. We talk about his books and process, how he got started in comics, and his seemingly never-ending search to find knowledge and also find the good in everything.Crossover Division is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER through 12/11/20. Go support it HERE!LINKS:Crossover Division’s Kickstarter - www.crossoverdivision.com/ksCrossover Division’s Website - www.crossoverdivision.comWill Allred’s Professional Website - www.willallred.comDiary of Night’s Website (also written by Will) - www.diaryofnight.comSOCIAL MEDIA:Facebook - @wallredTwitter - @wallred

Today’s guest is a real renaissance man. He’s a musician, filmmaker, comic book creator - and he even was the Aflec Duck on social media! This week, I’m talking with comic book writer and creator George O’Connor. We’re talking about his crazy career spanning music, film, and comics, how he gathers his creative teams to elevate the entire project, and how even Neil Gaiman suffers from imposters’ syndrome! George’s latest work, Charlie’s Spot, follows a homeless veteran who goes on an unusual adventure to reclaim his busking spot. It’s a little quirky, a little magic, but all heart! Charlie’s Spot is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER through 11/30/20. Go support it HERE! Enjoy! SHOW NOTES: Homeless Comics’ Website - www.homelesscomics.com George’s Personal/Professional Website - www.makingstuffwithgeorge.com SOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter - @LazyHorde Facebook - @HomelessComics

In this episode, Under the Mask Podcast is heading Down Under, and talking with an award-winning comic writer and creator, and the director of Australian-based publisher Comics2Movies. Shaun Keenan’s book, XCT, recently won “Best Comic” at the AFIN International Film Festival. He’s launching a brand new book, Talos of Sparta, and we’re talking about the trials and tribulations of balancing a writing career while also starting up a publishing house. My only regret is Shaun never once said “Crickey” in the entire episode… Talos of Sparta is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER through 11/29/20. You can support it HERE! Enjoy! SHOW NOTES: Talos of Sparta Kickstarter Campaign - www.kickstarter.com/projects/2067957354/talos-of-sparta Comics 2 Movies Website - www.comics2movies.com.au SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook - @Comics2Movies Twitter - @comics_2_movies Instagram - @comics2movies

In this episode, I’m talking with Tart writer and creator Kevin Joseph. Kevin has published and crowdfunded a dozen issues of Tart, which is a huge accomplishment for an independent comic.We talk about how he did it, and why your fans and followers are always the most important piece of the puzzle!Enjoy!Tart is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER through 11/27/20. Go support it HERE!SHOW NOTES:Tart #1 - 12 Kickstarter - www.kickstarter.com/projects/tartcomic/tart-1-12-demons-devils-and-demagoguesSOCIAL MEDIA:Twitter - @KevinJosephCMXFacebook - @tartofficialInstagram - @KevinJosephCMX

Wailing Week’s finale is with Under the Mask’s interview with Tyler James, host of the ComixLaunch podcast and publisher for ComixTribe. Tyler has been publishing comics for over a decade, so he’s a treasure trove of knowledge and information.Join us as we talk about the story behind ComixTribe’s his latest book, Wailing Blade.Wailing Blade, Volume 1 is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER thru 11/20/20. Go support it HERE!SHOW NOTES:The ComixLaunch Podcast - www.comixlaunch.com OR where ever you listen to your podcasts (seriously, one of the best podcasts out there. Check it out!)Wailing Blade’s Kickstarter Page - www.comixtribe.com/wailingbladeSign up for ComixLaunch’s FREE Kickstarter Class - www.comixlaunch.com/classJoin the ComixLaunchers Facebook Group - www.comixlaunch.com/groupSOCIAL MEDIATwitter - @ComixTribeInstagram - @ComixTribe

Wailing Week begins with Under the Mask’s interview with Rich Douek, the writer of Gutter Magic, Road of Bones, Sea of Sorrows, and of course, Wailing Blade.Wailing Blade, Volume 1 is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER thru 11/20/20. Go support it HERE!SHOW NOTES:Wailing Blade’s Kickstarter Page - www.comixtribe.com/wailingbladeSign up for Rich’s Newsletter HERE!Rich’s Professional Website - www.rdouek.comSOCIAL MEDIATwitter - @rdouekInstagram - @rdouek

In this episode of Under the Mask, I talk with acclaimed writer Frank Gogol, writer of Grief, Dead End Kids, and No Heroine. Frank’s first work was nominated for a Ringo award, and his next works won him Best Writer and Best New Series at the Independent Creator Awards. We talk about how’s built up his career as a writer, his relationship with Source Point Press, and his latest book coming out next year!Dead End Kids: The Suburban Job is coming to your local comic book shop on January 27th, 2021. Don’t get left behind; Source Point Press books are notorious for selling out! Be sure to pre-order DEK, and to make it extra easy for your shop, bring them the preview code NOV201523 to make their job extra easy!SHOW NOTES:Sign up to Frank’s Newsletter “Caption Boxes” HEREFrank Gogol’s Professional Website - www.frankgogol.comSOCIAL MEDIA:Facebook - @frankgogolTwitter - @frankgogolInstagram - @frankgogol

This November, Under the Mask is kicking it up a notch by offering not one, but TWO interviews the first two weeks of the month. There’s just that many creators reaching out to me to be on the show! Thank you for you support!This episode, I’m talking with Lawrence James King, the owner and CEO of Constant Hustle Comics, and the writer and creator of the comics Avery the Amazing and The Last Line.Constant Hustle has teamed up with Wingless Comics and Concept Moon Studios to create an epic indie crossover unlike any you’ve ever seen. NIGHTFALL follows the three company’s biggest hitters as they face a secret order with plans to dominate the world…and threaten existence itself!SHOW NOTES:The Multi-Company Crossover, Nightfall, Part 1 is LIVE ON KICKSTARTER through 11/14/20. Go support it HERE!Constant Hustle Comics’ Website - www.constanthustlecomics.comSOCIAL MEDIAFacebook - @ConstantHustleComicsTwitter - @CHustleComicsInstagram - @C.H.Comics