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Building a 36-Issue Comic Universe | Justin Coke Talks SWAT
Episode 119 β€’ 2nd June 2026 β€’ Talkin' Comics Podcast β€’ A.J. Reimann
00:00:00 00:53:20

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This week on Talkin' Comics, AJ sits down with comic creator Justin Coke, the writer behind the supernatural crime comic SWAT.

Justin shares his journey from lawyer and novelist to comic creator, discusses writing a 36-issue comic universe, finding the right artist, launching Kickstarter campaigns, and navigating the realities of indie comic publishing.

We also dive into Harrow County, Sandman, Nightwing, crowdfunding, comic conventions, marketing comics, and what it really takes to build an audience in today's comic industry.

If you're an indie creator, comic fan, Kickstarter enthusiast, or aspiring writer, this episode is packed with valuable insights and plenty of laughs.

Support SWAT and discover more indie comics!

Host: A.J. Reimann https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

Guest: Justin Coke https://weirdshark.art/

Follow the Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/edgeofdarkness/swat-eldritch-blue

πŸ—―οΈNew Website: https://www.talkincomics.com/

πŸ“°Sign up for our newsletter πŸ—¨ Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

🫡 Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingComicsPodcast

πŸ‘‰ Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk

Sponsors:

β€’ Allegra Printing – Printing The Chronicles of Panel Pete

πŸ‘‰πŸ–¨ For your comic book printing needs please visit Allegra Traverse City (Tell them AJ Sent You) https://www.allegramarketingprint.com...

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:08 Transition to Comic Writing

07:44 Kickstarter Campaign Insights

12:07 Art and Collaboration in Comics

16:33 Writing Process and Inspirations

21:37 Pitching and Marketing Comics

25:38 Conventions and Future Plans

29:09 Passion Over Profit: The Indie Comic Journey

32:12 Writing with Purpose: Eliminating Irrelevance

33:47 The M Files: A Unique Comic Concept

34:52 Comic Book Origins: From Childhood to Adult Enthusiasm

36:36 Exploring the Indie Comic Scene

38:30 Accessibility in Comics: The Need for Affordability

39:34 The Future of Comics: Competing with Manga

41:49 Favorite Characters and Series: A Personal Touch

44:33 Living in a Comic Universe: Choices and Preferences

45:37 Superpowers and Sidekicks: Fun Hypotheticals

46:34 Life as a Comic: Titles and Reflections

48:11 Reflections on the Past: Growing Up as a Jehovah's Witness

49:42 The Internet and Social Media: Navigating Modern Platforms

#TalkinComics #IndieComics #KickstarterComics #ComicBooks #ComicCreator #SWATComic #Crowdfunding #ComicWriting #Podcast #IndependentComics #GraphicNovel #ComicCommunity #Lovecraft

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