From Intern to Publisher: Dave Franchini on Making Indie Comics & Kickstarter Success

Welcome back to Talkin' Comics! This week, AJ Reimann sits down with Dave Franchini, longtime comic creator and former publisher at Zenescope Entertainment, to talk all things indie comics, Kickstarter, and what it really takes to survive as a creator-owned publisher.

Dave shares his journey from intern to publisher, how he balances multiple books at once, why Kickstarter is both essential and exhausting, and how conventions, collectibles, and community fuel indie success. We also dive into writing process, artist collaboration, marketing struggles, and the reality of comic burnout—without losing the love of the medium.

Whether you're a comic creator, Kickstarter backer, or lifelong fan, this episode pulls back the curtain on the modern indie comics grind.

🎙️ Hosted by AJ Reimann

Follow Dave at https://weirdbrainentertainment.com/

📸 https://www.instagram.com/weird_brain_entertainment/

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

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...

Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc

🗨 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

Hit like, subscribe, and check out all things Panel Pete below!

https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Chapters

00:00 Kickstarter Strategy and Comic Production

02:58 Dave Franchini's Journey in Comics

09:10 The Creative Process and Collaboration

21:36 Writing Techniques and Character Development

24:12 Crafting Comics: The Writing Process

28:51 Navigating the Convention Scene

32:37 Marketing Strategies for Creators

33:42 The Allure of Collectible Cards

38:59 The Challenges of Comic Production

48:21 The Challenges of Marketing in Creative Spaces

50:41 Navigating Self-Doubt and Building an Audience

55:27 Advice for Aspiring Creatives

59:47 Insights on Getting Published and Pitching Ideas

01:09:53 Pitching Unique Story Ideas and Upcoming Projects

01:14:02 Creative Inspirations and New Projects

01:15:24 Networking and Collaboration in the Comic Industry

01:16:49 Pitching Ideas and Storytelling Techniques

01:17:52 The Journey of Podcasting and Content Creation

01:18:55 The Importance of Community and Support

01:21:33 Fun Questions and Personal Insights

01:22:11 Favorite Characters and Influences

01:23:45 Current Trends in Comics and Reading Preferences

01:25:47 Living in a Comic Book Universe

01:28:30 Superpowers and Sidekicks

01:29:37 Final Thoughts and Future Endeavors

#TalkingComics #IndieComics #ComicPodcast #KickstarterComics #ComicCreators #panelpete

#DaveFranchini #SelfPublishing #ComicBooks #Zenescope #IndiePublishing