THE AWESOME COMICS PODCAST

From building up a kickstarter following, to tabling at conventions and deciding to go full time - these are just some of the things we spoke about this week when we spoke to Chris Askham (Switchblade Stories). It's a great chat with one of the hardest working artists in the UK comic scene. Check it out and prepare yourself for a whole heap of comics to add to your pull lists too! Great stuff to check out: Chris Askham, Switchblade Stories, Abominable Glory, Markosia Comics, Nottingham Comic Con, Shockwave, Nemesis, Love and Rockets, Frank Miller, Ronin, Dark System, Earth 2, Mega City Movie Club, Cryptid Hacker Force, Zine Zilla, The Goblin Market, High Viz Comic Con, M.A.S.K., Skybound, The Adventures of Chuck Maxwell, BHP Comics, Brandon Paul, Commando Comics, The Ghurka Files, Unpowered, International Aces, Chris Geary, Buckets of Blood, Warwick Fraser Combe

For every Batman, there is a Robin. For every Captain America, there is a Bucky. For every Paul Daniels, there is a Debbie McGee. Thats right, this week the ACP take a look at the world of sidekicks in comics. Are they any good? If so, who are the best? Are they still relevant? All this and more gets delved into, as well as a whole ton of brilliant indie comics and creators you should be checking out in the week ahead! Great stuff to check out: Batman and Robin, Giant Robo Hellboy, Inkblot Comics Festival, Tales of Terror, Baltimore Comic Con, Conan, Blat, Mat Greaves, Cryptid Hacker Force, Green Archer Comics, Keiron Squires, ZineZilla, Mikes Comics Bristol, 10 Lost Days, Shane Chebsey, The Coldest Winter, This Year, David Robertson, Fred Egg Comics, Sunset Dawning, Killer Influences, IDW, Joey Esposito, Joe Flanders Comics, Cyberpulp, Vicious Collective, Mad Cave, Dog Tag

Has the narrative power of a secret identity been lost in modern comics? What happens when you use it in a whodunnit mystery? We ask these questions and more to Thomas Philipson and James Patricks about their fantastic superhero mystery 'The Stranger'. From the concept of a secret identity, to how that figures into their own book and also an alter-ego quiz, this week is jam packed with great comic chat that somehow contains no spoilers but a whole lot of mystery! Great stuff to check out: The Stranger, Thomas Philipson, James Patricks, Devlin Baker, CoCo Comics, Baltimore Comic Con, Electric Chair 4, Cartoon County, Vyper: Red Shadow, Mixam, Zine Zilla, The Goblin Market, Santos Sisters, GregandFake, Floating World Comics, Realm of the Damned, Rebellion Comics, Art92 Comics, Clear Run, The Sisters Three: Gravesmore, David Hitchcock

For those who want to get a lesson in the art of making comics, this episode is the perfect place to start. Our pal Jason McNamara (The Phantom Limb, Past Tense) joins us this week to talk about his career as a teacher of comic creation! From history to writing, collaborating, printing and more are discussed and its a fascinating and essential listen for those who to explore the world of creating comics. Theres also chat about the exciting books Jason has upcoming, as well as our own recommendations of awesome comics and a bit of talk about Comics Assemble 2026! Great stuff to check out: Jason McNamara, The Thief, Comics Assemble 2026, Epicentre Comics, Never Iron Anything, Eamonn Clarke, Mega City Book Club, The Goblin Market, Sha, Zine Zilla, Pat Mills, Mega, Clear Run, Children of the Moon, Ben Dickson, Realm of the Damned, Alec Worley, Bye Parr, Football Picture Story Monthly

Duncan Fegredo (Hellboy, Enigma) joins the ACP this week and we think you'll agree its long overdue, so we sat down to talk about his art, start in comics, infuences and of course a certain red skinned boy from hell as well. Its a wonderful and fun insight into one of comics truly awesome (and humble) talents, so don't miss it. All that and a big stack of recommendations from the small press to art books you definitely want to get your hands on. Its another belter! Great stuff to check out: Duncan Fegredo, Hellboy, Hellboy: Giant Robot, Peter Milligan, Mike Mignola, Enigma, Crisis, Heartbreak Hotel, Mike Hadley, Ian Gibson, Sean Phillips, Green Archer Comics, Kieran Squires, Comics Assemble!, Sha, Zinezilla, Legacy: Idols and Bones, The House of Lowther, AMP Comics, Serious Head Injury Comics, Dylan Henty, Aaargh! It's War, Glass City: Tales of the City, Edison Neo, Ink Trooper, Bronze Star, Mike Baron, Pat Broderick

Villains and Death! Lets face it, without them both comics would not be the same, and so the ACP trio get together to discuss memorable comic book deaths and their favourite villains. From classics to those you may not expect, we delve into the joy of a good villain and why we love em. It'll make you head back to your bookcases, long boxes and comic stores to read some great examples of drama and EVIL! Plus there's a great line up of indie books to check out and pre-order now - so what are you waiting for? Listen to it now! Great stuff to check out: GI Joe, Shang Chi, Judge Dredd, Legion of Super Heroes, Mega Misfit Market, The Bard, Men of the Cloth, Hellbound Media, Sha, Pat Mills, Zine Zilla Bristol, Legacy: Idols and Bones, Commando, Liquid Night, Zack Cahill, Cliff Cumber, Identical, Leah Hayes, Fantagraphix

Some comics aren't just comics, they are a study on the nature of aggression, and this week we spend some time focusing on an absolute icon of indie comics - GRENDEL. Not only that, but the brilliant Brennan Wagner joins us for a brilliant talk about working as a comic book colourist and his work Grendel over the years with his father - Matt Wagner! Its a fantastic chat about the colouring process and the work of brilliant creator. All that and some great recommendations and comics chat to boot! Great stuff to check out: Brennan Wagner, Matt Wagner, Grendel: The Devils Crucible - Sedition, The Gods and Monsters of Headgrave, Jordan Thomas, Zinezilla, Sha: Book 2, Pat Mills, Men of the Cloth, Billy Bat, The Twilight Man: Rod Serling and the Birth of Television, Degard, Kathy Irving, Centauri Games,

What makes a good comic book character? What makes them stand out? What comes first; the character or the story? Those are just some of the questions we answer this week as we delve into one of the most enjoyable sides of comic creation. Also there's some birthday chat, some spider-man chat and plenty of great comics and books to check out, including one by one of comics greats! Great stuff to check out: Spider-Man, Batman, The Punisher, The Fantastic Art of Ron Turner, Comics Assemble, Sha, Pat Mills, Men of the Cloth, Hellbound Media, The Gods and Monsters of Headgrave, Frank Miller: Push the Wall, Retail Park, Underg Planet Atmos: Exordium, Mad Cave Comics, Blood Force

This we talk about a whole lot of comics, and focus on an anthology that 'Distinctly British' in every way! From putting together different artistic voices, finding a story as you create it, conventions, teaching and more, is another Brit comic to add to your radars. All that and a whole ton of brilliant indie comics recommendations, comics and creators to add to your wishlists. All of that in under two hours? How is that possible? Well, listen and find out! Great stuff to check out: Distinctly British Comics, Malibu Comics, Close Encounters, Matt Bunce, Comics Assemble, Gods and Monsters of Headgrave, Hellbound Media, Shar, Pat Mills, Mythos Comics, Vamp, Fantagraphics, The Mess, Noah Van Sciver, Comic Book Punks, Zero Instance, Vamp, M.A.S.K.,

This week we talk a bit about the work of classic comics artist and writer John Byrne, from xmen to next men and everything in between. Theres also a fun delve into a one and done spider team up book that everyone should pick up from a back issue bin, and Dan marks his return to the show by asking if we would still read comics if they were digital only. All that and a bunch of great comic recommendations, stuff to check out an also shampoo talk! Great stuff to check out: John Byrne, Spider-Man, Red Sonja, American Nature #4, Mystic, Matt Bunce, Eamonn Clarke, Mega City Book Club, Zinezilla Arts Fair, Comics Assemble, She, Pat Mills, The Gods and Monsters of Headgrave, Death Metal Duck, Black Panel Press, Justin Heggs, Cam Hayden, Corpse Knight, Terrobytes, Mad Cave Comics, Ode to Kirahito, Osamu Tezuka

Its a fun one this week as we bring in an honorary amigo Kieran Squires (The Drycleaner) to talk about a raft of fun comic topics. From a big comic mart discussion, to underused heroes that deserve a spotlight to those popular creators that we just don't get, its an absolutely jam packed comics chat that guaranteed to get you jumping online to read comics or just let us know what you think! Great stuff to check out: Kieran Squires, London Comic Mart, Kellys Comic Fair, Mega City Book Club, Inkblot Festival, Three Planes, Roger Mason, The Mice, Commando, The Cannibals, Field Mouse Press, Noir City Murders, Green Archer Comics, The Saint, Rebellion, ABC Warriors, Rising Stars, J Michael Straszinski, Rising Stars: Visitations, Vanguard, Dan Butcher, XMen: Elsewhen, Periodical, Durin, Rachael Ball

Sometimes you just have to go back to the classics, and there's none more classic than Homers Odyssey! So this week we chat to Neil Roche and Laurence Alison about gods, myths and translating epic journeys to the comics page. From the challenges of adapting ancient text, to the wonderful artwork of Vu Danh its a wonderful discussion about yet more brilliant indie comics and creators. All that and great recommendations, international comic shop chat, local comic fairs and as always... great indie comics talk! Great stuff to check out: Odysseus: In Defiance of the Gods,Neil Roche, Laurence Alison, Vu Danh, Psy Comics, Killing Moon, Killing Moon Rises, Warfighter, Warwick Fraser Coombe, Hartwood, Comics Assemble, The Gods and Monsters of Headgrave, Zinezilla, Shar, The Saint Meets the Tiger, See You in Hell, M.A.S.K., Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar, Creepy presents Richard Corben

Another classic creator of indie comics joins us this week as the one and only Billy Tucci, creator of the 'Shi', takes a moment away from the floor of Heroes Con to talk about his work, character and a new omnibus. Its a fun (and funny) chat that will leave you wanting more, as will the great comics recommendations we have and a fun Wizard quiz about what they considered to be the greatest superhero costumes OF ALL TIME in 1997. Its another don't miss dose of indie comics and then some! Great stuff to check out: Billy Tucci, She, She: Senryaku, Sgt Rock, Vanguard, John Wagner, Gods and Monsters of Headgrave, Zinezilla, Super Kaiju Rock and Roll Funtime Derby Go, American Nature #4, M1: Monster Racing League, Slugboy, Paul Kortjohn, Black Ink Comix

A classic adventuring rogue returns to the pages of comics this week, as Simon Templar aka 'The Saint' returns. To talk about the character, the pulpy origins and its new modernisation are the Green Archer Comics crew and Simon Russell. From the origins of the character, its Public Domain details and the collaboration from all sides of the creative endeavour, its another fascinating look into the world of indie comics. All that and more great indie comics to check out, you'd be mad to miss it! Great stuff to check out: The Saint, The Saint Kickstarter, Meet the Tiger, Green Archer Comics, Mike Grell, Allan Liska, Benn Liska, Simon Russell, Noggin the Nog, Solomon Kane, Red Devil KS, Black Ink Comix, Comics Assemble, Super Kaiju Rock and Roll Derby Funtime Go, The Gods and Monsters of Headgrave, Escape, Image Comics, Murder Mouse, Razzberry, Red Sea Comics, Blood Type V,Ace: Every Dog Has Its Day, Chris Askam

Get yourself a cold one and sit back with us as the three amigos as we discuss some hot topics and ask some hard questions, all in the name of loving comics! Expect chat about free pull lists, small press comic values and attributes that could prove dangerous for creators. Its another classic awesome comics talk session and then some! Great stuff to check out: Hard Travelling Heroes, Absolute Green Arrow, The Longbow Hunters, The Gods and Monsters of Headgrave, Jordan Thomas, Super Kaiju Funtime Derby Go, Comics Assemble, Grixly, Nate McDonna, Death Wish, Barrie Tomlinson, Vanyo, The Guys, Rich Carrington, Brian Dawson, Hardline Comics, Maryboys: All Stitched Up

This week we travel to a world of giant mechs, complicated person arcs, story twists and epic non stop action. That world is the backdrop of Sokyo X, and we were lucky enough to chat to its creator Cory Tran about the series. We talk action, pacing, narrative, character development, world building and delve into being introspective about the comics you make. Its a conversation not to missed, with lots of recommends along the way, brilliant indie comics and creators to check out and a good chunk of GUYVER TALK! Great stuff to check out: Sokyo X, Cory Tran, Planetland Comics, Matthew Schofield, Manben, Watchmen, Guyver, Glass City, Super Kaiju Rock and Roll Derby Fun Time Go, Gods and Monster of Headgrave, After the Remnants, Keiron Squires, Comics Assemble, Edison Neo, Ink Trooper, Death Fight Forever, Exciting Comics, The Guyver, Antarctic Press, Larry Styles, The Santos Sisters, American Nature, Tower Dreams, Richard Starzecki, Tigress Island, Death Fight Forever, Andrew Maclean, Biomeca, Faces of War, Sector 13, Peter Duncan, Biomeca

It's an EPIC one this week as the pod trio sit back in the ACP towers and talk about a number of topics, especially the grand topic of 'what are our comfort comics?'. Expect some unexpected picks from that and also some in-depth conversation about some Absolute Green Arrow and the crackdown of NSFW content on Kickstarter and what that means for comic creators. Also there's loads of shout outs, recommendations and of course plenty of awesome comics talk! Great stuff to check out: Kickstarter, Absolute Green Arrow, Absolute DC, Marvel, Erik Larsen, Spider-Man, Micronauts, Conan, John Byrne, XMen, Box Office Poison, Alex Robinson, Tomb of Dracula, Punisher Born, Calvin and Hobbes, Peanuts, Bone, Warlord, Omega, Curt Swan, Superman, AJ Dungo, In Waves, Hal Weaver, Ian Ashcroft, Cartoon County, Macc Pow!, Brighton Spring Market, The Gods and Monsters of Headgrave, Keiron Squires, Edison Neo, Ink Trooper, Panopticon, Steve Newbold, Hugh Newell, Lizzie Parsec, Scar Tissue, Steven Fox, Short Stop, Bubbles, Viz 356, Mad Cave Comics, Dog Tag, PJ Holden, Gareth Hopkins

As an indie and small press show, its only fitting that this week we talk to one of the great of UK underground comics, and all round legend of the scene Hunt Emerson! From his new retrospective collection '50 Years of Big Noses' currently being crowdfunded, to his cartoonist beginnings, work in adult magazines, Fortean Times, Beano, how long he spends in stationary shops and why he doesn't consider himself to be an artist! As you can read, its another chat not to be missed. Plus there's discussion on disappointing kickstarter comics, the risk of alienating new readers and another slate of great indie books to check out! Great stuff to check out: Hunt Emerson, 50 Years of Big Noses, Zoop, Firkin the Cat, Mad Magazine, Steve Bell, Kevin O'Neill, Gerald Scarf, Fortean Times, Guy D'Lille, Resident Alien, The American lady, Bronze Star, Mike Baron, London Comic Mart, Lawless Comic Con, Comics Assemble, The Guys #8, Suburban Antichrist #3, Dan Hughes, Lizzie Parsec

What makes a comic funny? What should you think about when crafting a humour comic? What on earth would you think if you met a man with a steamroller for a head? Are face huggers friendly? Well those questions and more get answered this week as we are joined once again by friend of the show and creator of 'Steamroller Man' Matthew Schofield. Its another fascinating discussion about our favourite medium, with a whole load more fantastic comics to check out in the week ahead too! Great stuff to check out: Matthew Schofield, Steamroller Man, HATE!, Peter Bagg, Four Cartoonists, Never Iron Anything Podcast, Comics Assemble!, Lawless Comic Con, Warbird, Bad Idea Comics, Action: The Sevenpenny Nightmare, Skating Wilder, AJ Dungo, Brandon Dumais, Flying Eye Books, Stillman, Narco, Doug Wagner, Daniel Hilyard, End of Life, Kyle Starks, Vertigo, Steve Pugh

After appearing in the recommendation of last weeks show, 'The Machine is Broken' gets the spotlight even more as its creator Jared Sarnie joins us this week to talk about his work, influences, working with a publisher and the topic of handling a sensitive subject in a different and interesting way. Its a great discussion that will introduce you to another great small press comics voice to watch out for! Plus there's great indie comics recommendations, events and kickstarters to add to your lists and a moment to reflect on the legacy of the late, great Barrie Tomlinson. WARNING: This episode contains the topics of Voluntary Euthanasia and Suicide. Listener discretion is advised. Great stuff to check out: The Machine is Broken, Jared Sarnie, Fieldmouse Press, Emily Norris, Dear Mini, Fantagraphics, David Mack, Daredevil, Tales From the City Volume 1, Bridlington Comic Con, South London Zine Fair, The Saint, Mike Grell, Simon Russell, Green Archer Comics, Comics Assemble, Lawless Comic Con, The Guys, The Gods and Monsters of Headgrave, Barry Tomlinson, Florida Hippopotamus Cocaine Massacre, Mad Cave Comics, Mort, The Krater of Tenebrosus, The Hunter, Dakota Alexander, The Punisher Presents: Barracuda