The United States Department of Nerds Podcast

Writer Michael Barron and artist Jack Van Thomme join The Chairman on the USDN Podcast to discuss The Secret Lives of Demon Hunters, a supernatural horror comic about marriage, monsters, hidden darkness, and the people who spend their nights hunting demons.In this episode, we talk about slice-of-life horror, the origin of The Secret Lives of Demon Hunters, building a world of demons and possession, horror storytelling in comics, writing satisfying endings, Kickstarter preparation, reward tiers, indie comic promotion, and the reality of launching a creator-owned comic.Ashley and Jordie may look like an ordinary married couple, but behind closed doors and beneath the surface of everyday life, they are fighting something far darker. The Secret Lives of Demon Hunters blends relationship-driven storytelling with supernatural horror, giving readers a grounded emotional core inside a world of demons, shadows, and secrets.Topics include:• The Secret Lives of Demon Hunters• Slice-of-life horror• Horror comics and supernatural storytelling• Demons, possession, and hidden darkness• Writer and artist collaboration• Building a horror world in 24 pages• Writing twists and satisfying endings• Kickstarter comics and crowdfunding• Indie comic promotion• Creator-owned storytellingSupport The Secret Lives of Demon Hunters on Kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/secret-lives-hunters/the-secret-lives-of-demon-hunters-a-24-page-horror-comicFollow Michael Barron:https://www.michaelbarronauthor.comMichael Barron on Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/barronauthor.bsky.socialFollow Jack Van Thomme:https://www.instagram.com/real_jackvt/Follow USDN:https://linktr.ee/USDN_PodcastBusiness & Media Inquiries: thechairman@usdnpodcast.comThe USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come To Life

How do two creators living in different countries build a creator-owned comic together?In this episode of the USDN Podcast, The Chairman sits down with writer Marco Vito Oddo and artist Victor Costa, the creative team behind OTHERKIN, an indie horror and urban fantasy comic series inspired by works such as Hellboy, Hellblazer, and Swamp Thing.The conversation explores the origins of Otherkin, how the project evolved from an abandoned video game concept into a long-form comic universe, the challenges of independent publishing, and the realities of creating a comic series across continents.Marco and Victor discuss worldbuilding, horror storytelling, character development, writer-artist collaboration, creator-owned comics, comic book influences, and the lessons they've learned while building Otherkin one issue at a time.Topics include:• The origins of Otherkin• Creator-owned comics• Horror and urban fantasy storytelling• Writer and artist collaboration• Building a long-form comic universe• Character creation and worldbuilding• Independent publishing challenges• Physical vs digital comics• The future of Otherkin• Advice for aspiring comic creatorsIf you're a fan of indie comics, horror comics, creator-owned storytelling, and comic book creation, this episode is for you.FOLLOW MARCO VITO ODDOInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/marcovito.oddo/Substack:https://marcovitooddo.substack.com/FOLLOW VICTOR COSTAInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/victorcosta.art/FOLLOW OTHERKINInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/otherkin.comic/USDN LINKShttps://linktr.ee/usdnpodcastBusiness & Media Inquiries: thechairman@usdnpodcast.comBCW Supplies Affiliate PartnerNeed comic bags, boards, storage boxes, top loaders, comic collecting supplies, or shipping materials?Shop BCW Supplies:https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=USDNAffiliate Code: USDNDisclosure: USDN may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through this affiliate link at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us continue spotlighting indie comic creators and producing creator-focused content.The USDN Podcast - Where indie comics come to life.

Alex De Luca - Building Dragon Whisperer & a Steampunk Comic UniverseIn this episode of The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life, The Chairman sits down with comic creator Alex De Luca.From his early days discovering comics in a small newsstand to breaking into the industry through persistence and passion, Alex shares the full journey behind his career.We explore the creation of Dragon Whisperer, a steampunk fantasy story that flips the traditional dragon narrative by focusing on communication instead of conflict. Alex also dives into:His creative process as a writer and letterer The importance of collaboration in comics The realities of breaking into the comic industry How personal life experiences shape storytelling 🔗 CHECK OUT ALEX DE LUCADragon Whisperer:https://www.red5comics.com/dragon-whispererFallen (Red 5 Comics):https://www.red5comics.com/fallen-1Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/alexbabyblueInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/alexanderbabyblue/Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/alexgdeluca.bsky.social📢 SUPPORT USDNSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@USDN_Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/USDN_Podcast👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe | 📢 Share🧠 COLLECTOR TIP OF THE WEEKShop BCW Supplies:https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdnUse Code: USDN for 10% OFFAffiliate Disclosure: USDN may earn a commission if you use our link or code.📬 BUSINESS / MEDIA INQUIRIESthechairman@usdnpodcast.com