How Alex Steffen Funded His Graphic Novel on Kickstarter

In this episode of Talkin' Comics, AJ sits down with indie comic creator Alex Steffen, writer and illustrator of Everyone’s Carl and Valedictorian. We dive into Kickstarter success, comic creation, art school life, existential dread turned storytelling, and advice from comic legend Scott McCloud and John Jennings.We also talk favorite characters like Spider-Man, Doctor Manhattan, and the impact of Watchmen.If you love indie comics, creator journeys, and behind-the-scenes comic talk — this episode is for you!🎨 Pre-order Everyone’s Carl https://linktr.ee/Steffen.Works🎙 Subscribe for weekly comic conversations📚 Support indie creatorsHost: A.J. Reimann📰 Full episode blog on Substack 🗨 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 March 12th 2026). https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641500179/the-chronicles-of-panel-pete👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hkSponsors:• 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 Traverse City (Tell them AJ Sent You) https://www.allegramarketingprint.com...Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc⏱ Chapters0:00 Intro0:45 Meet Alex Steffen2:00 What is Everyone’s Carl?5:30 Kickstarter Strategy & Funding9:00 Marketing Indie Comics13:00 Art School & Creative Growth16:30 Writing Origins & Mentorship20:00 Existential Dread & Storytelling23:30 Advice for Creators26:00 Favorite Characters & Comic Influences31:00 Living in a Comic Universe36:00 Final Thoughts & Where to Follow#TalkingComics #IndieComics #AlexSteffen #EveryonesCarl #ComicCreators #KickstarterComics #GraphicNovel #ComicBookPodcast #SupportIndieCreators #ComicArt