Can You Afford a Chicken Sandwich? The REAL Business of Making Comics

Making comics is the dream—but can it actually pay the bills?

In this episode of Talking Comics, AJ Reimann sits down with Lauren Hazel (aka @knigtsofg) to break down the real business of comics, publishing, conventions, and creative survival. From why comics are called “the ghetto of publishing” to the infamous “chicken sandwich test,” Lauren pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a sustainable career as a creator.

We cover:

• Why talent alone isn’t enough

• The true cost of conventions

• Marketing vs sales for creators

• Why most creators lose money

• How to think like a business, not a hobbyist

If you’re a writer, artist, indie creator, or thinking about comics as a career — this episode is required listening.

📸 Follow Lauren on Insta and Tik Toc @knigthsofg

👉 Subscribe for more creator interviews & comic industry truth https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk

🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

👉 Hit the Kickstarter “Remind Me” button to follow the project launch (coming early 2026). https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641500179/the-chronicles-of-panel-pete

Sponsors:

• AMPED Comics – Use code TCP10 for 10% off https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

• Allegra Printing – Printing The Chronicles of Panel Pete

🖨 For your comic book printing needs please visit Allegra Travers City (Tell them AJ Sent You) https://www.allegramarketingprint.com...

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

03:06 Navigating Corporate Approval Processes

07:30 The Impact of COVID on Film and TV Production

10:43 Understanding the Comic Book Industry

13:30 The Evolution of Comics and Manga

16:19 Financial Realities for Creators

19:27 Marketing and Conventions for Creators

29:08 Creating an Educational Community for Creatives

30:12 Understanding the Comic Industry Dynamics

31:46 The Financial Realities of Comic Publishing

34:05 The Importance of Marketing in Creative Ventures

39:19 Navigating Contracts and Rights in Publishing

42:21 Understanding Your Audience and Their Needs

43:47 Building Relationships Through Marketing

49:41 Challenges in the Comic Industry Today

52:37 The Reality of Comic Book Stores and Conventions

59:09 Leveraging Email for Audience Engagement

01:11:39 Finding Your Audience: Strategies and Insights

01:26:20 Comic Characters and Personal Favorites

01:28:39 Current Comic Series and Recommendations

01:30:16 Living in Comic Book Universes

01:33:08 Superpowers and Sidekicks

01:35:54 Life as a Comic Book

01:37:34 Marketing in the Comic Industry

#TalkingComics #LaurenHazel #knightsofg #ComicCreators

#IndieComics #ComicBookPodcast #CreativeBusiness

#MakeComicsNotExcuses #ChickenSandwichTest