What does it take to turn a haunted hotel idea into a hit indie comic? 👻📖

In this conversation, AJ Reimann interviews David Flores, an illustrator and co-creator of the comic 'Do Not Disturb'. They discuss David's journey from screenwriting to comic illustration, the creative process behind their projects, and the importance of collaboration in the comic book industry. They also touch on the challenges of publishing, the fear of rejection, and the freedom that comes with completing a creative project. AJ shares his own experiences in comic writing and the motivations behind his work, emphasizing the learning process and the joy of collaboration. In this engaging conversation, David and AJ explore the world of comics, storytelling, and the creative process. They discuss the importance of collaboration within the indie community, share personal anecdotes about their journeys as creators, and offer valuable advice for aspiring artists and writers. The dialogue flows into fun questions about comic book inspirations, favorite superheroes, and the idea of living in a comic book universe. They also touch on future projects and the significance of gratitude in their creative endeavors.

We dive into:

Writing comics vs screenplays

Finding the right creative collaborators

Pitching to publishers like Invader Comics

Horror storytelling & neo-noir influences

Advice for first-time comic creators

Whether you’re an aspiring comic creator or a fan of indie horror comics, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

📸 Connect with David: @sicmonkie in insta

📘 Do Not Disturb – Issue One releases January 28

📰 Read more on Substack

🎙️ Subscribe for weekly comic interviews, hauls, and creator stories

https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Host: A.J. Reimann

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/

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

👉 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 From Screenwriting to Comic Creation

02:29 Collaborative Writing: The Process Behind 'Do Not Disturb'

05:41 Pitching Ideas and Finding a Publisher

08:44 The Evolution of Storytelling in Comics

11:51 Learning and Growing in the Comic Industry

16:07 The Journey of Creation

23:06 Collaboration and Community in Comics

31:24 Navigating Publishing Options

43:17 From Hobby to Professional: The Evolution of a Writer

44:22 Navigating Production and Distribution Challenges

46:15 The Fear of Rejection in Creative Pursuits

48:44 The Importance of Believing in Your Work

52:56 Advice for Aspiring Creators

59:19 The Journey of a Storyteller

01:04:19 Fun Questions and Personal Favorites

01:10:00 Superpowers and Culinary Dreams

01:13:39 Creating a Pizza Shop in Asgard

01:15:44 Comic Book Sidekicks and Pizza Delivery

01:17:22 The Journey of Panel Pete

01:22:49 Future Comic Book Ideas and Inspirations

01:27:42 Giving Back to the Community Through...

Welcome back to Talkin' Comics Episode 79! This week AJ and Annkhan dive into weekly comic pulls, favorite reads, and a deep look at AJ’s Journey Into Mystery / Mighty Thor reading challenge—including epic collections, omnibuses, and classic Asgard tales.

We also introduce a new recurring segment, This Week in Comic History, explore comic-inspired board game trivia, and battle it out in a fun This or That: Comic Board Game Edition. Plus, we talk upcoming conventions, Substack exclusives, and what’s coming next for The Chronicles of Panel Pete.

Host: A.J. Reimann

Co-Host: Annakhan

👉 Subscribe for weekly comics, trivia, history, and behind-the-scenes comic creator talk

👉 Get a FREE preview & blog version of this episode on Substack https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

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

👉 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

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:48 Comic Conventions and Events

04:36 Weekly Comic Polls and New Releases

10:13 Reading Journey and Comic Collections

16:56 Gaming and VR Experiences

20:45 This Week in Comic History

23:33 Trivia and Question Time

37:06 This or That Game Discussion

45:14 Future Plans and Wrap-Up

#TalkingComics #ComicPodcast #ComicBoardGames #MarvelComics #DCComics #ComicTrivia #ThorOmnibus #JourneyIntoMystery #ComicHistory #BoardGameTrivia #WeeklyComicPulls #SubstackComics #PanelPete

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...

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

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