Heidi MacDonald (The Beat)

Few people have chronicled the modern comics industry as closely—or for as long—as Heidi MacDonald. On this episode, the longtime journalist, editor, and founder and editor-in-chief of The Beat joins the Bandits for a wide-ranging conversation about her career and the ever-changing world of comics. Heidi reflects on launching The Beat in 2004, her earlier work as an editor at Disney and DC/Vertigo, and how comics journalism has evolved alongside the industry itself. The conversation also explores the state of comics today, the challenges facing publishers, retailers, creators, and journalists, and how fandom and the business have transformed over the decades. Along the way, Heidi shares insights gained from a career spent not just reporting on comics, but helping document an extraordinary period of change for the medium.    You can read Heidi and the rest of the team at The Beat at ComicsBeat.com, and follow Heidi on Bluesky @comixace.bsky.social for her latest comics news, commentary, and industry observations. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.