Capital of Comics

In this episode, Rob Potchak, VP of Partnerships at KeenSpot, shares his extensive experience in the comic industry, from his start as a creator to his current role. He discusses industry challenges, success strategies, and the importance of diversifying creative pursuits while staying true to your passion.

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Join host Joel Rodriguez in an insightful conversation with game and comic writer Joshua Rubin. Discover his journey from Hollywood screenwriting to creating iconic characters like Ezio Auditore, and explore his innovative work in VR, AI, and comics. Learn valuable lessons on career pivots, collaboration, and the future of storytelling in the digital age. ----more---- Chapters

In this episode, host Joel Rodriguez interviews Jesse Sosa, a versatile creator involved in both games and comics. Jesse shares his journey from working in the gaming industry at Gearbox, where he manages art outsourcing and direction, to transitioning into comics. He discusses his passion for storytelling across various mediums, inspired by his childhood love for comics and the desire to honor a late friend. Jesse also emphasizes ...

In this episode, Shawn Hudachko shares his journey from Marine to successful comic book publisher, emphasizing discipline, risk-taking, and authentic branding. Discover practical advice on starting, growing, and innovating in the comic industry, including how to handle controversy and build a resilient business mindset. ----more----Chapters

Erika Lance shares her journey from novelist to publisher, offering invaluable insights into the publishing industry, marketing strategies, and how creators can succeed by understanding the business side of art.

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In this episode, Rob Multari shares his extensive experience with Kickstarter campaigns, community building, and marketing strategies for creators. Discover actionable insights on campaign planning, audience engagement, variant covers, stretch goals, and overcoming creator fatigue.

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In this episode, Joel interviews Eric Tapper, co-founder of GlobalComix. They discuss the evolution of GlobalComix, and share insights on innovation in the industry, emphasizing the importance of making digital publishing accessible and engaging. They also explore the impact of AI and machine learning in enhancing the reading experience.

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00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 02:24 - Meet Eric Tapper, co-f...

In this episode, Kyle Willis shares his inspiring journey from artist to successful comic book retailer, emphasizing the importance of persistence, adaptability, and business mindset in the creative industry. Discover practical tips on managing multiple facets of a creative business, turning no into yes, and building a thriving community around your art. Kyle Willis shares his journey through various art mediums, the creative proce...

In this episode, Joel Rodriguez interviews Laurie Foster, owner of Laguna Studios, about her journey from comic artist to business owner, the importance of vision, balancing creativity with business, and overcoming imposter syndrome. They discuss growth, diversification, and the mindset needed for success in the creative industry. Join us for an in-depth discussion as we explore innovative approaches to comics creation, community b...

In this episode, Erik Laidroo, a seasoned media producer and owner of Blue Rock Media, shares insights on building a successful media business, networking strategies, the impact of AI on media production, and lessons from the creative industry that apply to comics. Discover how small jobs can lead to big opportunities and the importance of quality and relationships.

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In this episode of Capital of Comics, host Joel Rodriguez interviews David Byrne, a narrative strategist and lead writer at Metal Ninja Studios. They discuss David's journey into the comic industry, the evolution of his publishing company, W.i.N. Pictures, and the importance of team dynamics in creative projects. The conversation also delves into the challenges of adapting stories into different mediums, understanding publishing co...

In this episode, host Joel Rodriguez sits down with executive headhunter and podcast host Kip Knippel (Kip Search, Capitalist Culture) to dismantle the stigma around the business side of creativity.

Kip pulls back the curtain on the high-stakes world of executive recruitment and translates those corporate strategies into a blueprint for indie creators. Whether you are looking for your first artist or scaling a studio, this session ...

Success in comics isn't just about what you know, but who you grow with.

In this masterclass, host Joel Rodriguez sits down with prolific writer and community leader Travis Gibb (Broke Down And Four Dead Bodies, Voodoo Nations) to discuss the most undervalued asset in the indie comic industry: Community.

Travis pulls back the curtain on how building a genuine network of peers, fans, and collaborators acts as a force multiplier for ...

Ever wondered if your creative passion can actually pay the bills—without leading to total burnout?

In this episode, host Joel Rodriguez is joined by master illustrator and creator Eranga Devasurendra (Metal Ninja Studios) to demystify the business side of art. While many creatives shy away from the "F-word" (Finance), Eranga breaks down a powerful framework borrowed from the m...

In this episode of the Capital of Comics podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with my good friend Danny Martinez, the owner of Flashpoint Comics and Games. We delved into his journey from working at a comic book store to running his own, including the challenges of COVID-19 and balancing fatherhood. Danny shared his unique perspective on the importance of community in brick-and-mortar stores versus online retail, and how his lov...

In this episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez is joined by Steve Colle, owner of Editor’s Eye View and THE Comics, for a deep dive into the often misunderstood world of comic book editing.

Joel and Steve break down the different types of editors across the industry, what each role actually does, and why strong editorial support can elevate a creator’s work far beyond the page. They also explore the growing need for accessibl...

In this episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez is joined by Michael Zapcic, Manager of Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash, for an inside look at how passion for a fandom can bring people together.

They dive into the history of Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash, the behind-the-scenes experience of Comic Book Men, and the unexpected ways a love for comics can open doors, build communities, and connect people who might never have...

In this special solo Christmas episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez reflects on seven years of building Metal Ninja Studios and the lessons learned along the way.

From creative breakthroughs to hard-earned business realities, Joel shares how his understanding of creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth has evolved. He talks candidly about adaptation, resilience, and why long-term thinking matters more than chasi...

In this episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez is joined by James Lamb, owner of Hive Comics, for an inside look at the evolving world of online comic retail.

They break down how online retailers have changed the way comics are discovered and sold, what creators often misunderstand about working with retailers, and how strong relationships are built on trust, professionalism, and mutual value. James also shares practical advi...