Capital of Comics
by Joel Rodriguez
Featured in Enterprise World's "Most Visionary Leaders Shaping the Future of Comics in 2026," the Capital of Comics podcast is hosted by Joel Rodriguez, CEO of Metal Ninja Studios and 2025 Marquis Who’s Who Top Professional. Capital of Comics explores the business of creativity through honest, in-depth conversations. Each week, guests from both within and beyond the comic industry share their experiences, failures, and frameworks for creative success. This masterclass is designed to give creators real clarity about the business side of storytelling and the tools they need to grow their craft, career, and IP.
Episodes
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Episode 029 - Atom Freeman
In this episode, Atom Freeman, founder of Prana Direct Market Solutions, shares insights into the future of the comic industry, the importance of data, and practical advice for creators and retailers. Discover how data-driven strategies and community building can revitalize your comic business....
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Episode 028 - Joshua Starnes
In this episode, Joshua Starnes, president of AMP Comics, talks about the intricacies of comic book publishing, industry insights, and how creators can succeed in the market. ----more---- Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 03:20 - What Makes a Comic Book Publishable? 09:25…
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Episode 027 - Don Aguillo
In this episode, Don Aguillo shares his journey from aspiring artist to working with Spawn, the importance of community, and how to navigate the business side of being a professional artist. Discover insights on success, dealing with hardships, and building a sustainable career in comics and...
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Episode 026 - Steve Colle
In this episode, Steve Colle shares expert insights on trade show marketing for indie creators, focusing on booth presentation, location strategies, psychology of display, and effective engagement techniques to stand out in a competitive environment. ----more----Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to...
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Episode 025 - Charlie Stickney
In this episode, comic creator Charlie Stickney shares his journey from traditional media to successful Kickstarter campaigns, insights on project management, marketing strategies, and building a compelling world for sustained success in comics. ----more---- Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the...
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Episode 024 - Dr. Christina Blanch
In this episode, comic book retailer, writer, and educator Dr. Christina Blanch shares her journey through the comics industry, insights on community building, navigating COVID-19 challenges, and advice for aspiring writers. Discover how passion, adaptability, and community focus drive success in...
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Episode 023 - Joshua Malkin
In this episode, Joshua Malkin, editor-in-chief at AMP Comics and educator, shares his diverse journey through film, education, and comics. He discusses the business advantages of comics, the impact of AI on creative industries, and practical advice for aspiring creators looking to navigate the...
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Episode 022 - Rob Potchak
In this episode, Rob Potchak, VP of Partnerships at KeenSpot, shares his extensive experience in the comic industry, from his start as a creator to his current role. He discusses industry challenges, success strategies, and the importance of diversifying creative pursuits while staying true to…
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Episode 21 - Narrative Equity Feat. Joshua Rubin
Join host Joel Rodriguez in an insightful conversation with game and comic writer Joshua Rubin. Discover his journey from Hollywood screenwriting to creating iconic characters like Ezio Auditore, and explore his innovative work in VR, AI, and comics. Learn valuable lessons on career pivots,...
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Episode 20 - Panels & Pixels Feat. Jesse Sosa
In this episode, host Joel Rodriguez interviews Jesse Sosa, a versatile creator involved in both games and comics. Jesse shares his journey from working in the gaming industry at Gearbox, where he manages art outsourcing and direction, to transitioning into comics. He discusses his passion for...
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Episode 19 - Mission: Comics Feat. Shawn Hudachko
In this episode, Shawn Hudachko shares his journey from Marine to successful comic book publisher, emphasizing discipline, risk-taking, and authentic branding. Discover practical advice on starting, growing, and innovating in the comic industry, including how to handle controversy and build a...
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Episode 18 - Narrative Empire Feat. Erika Lance
Erika Lance shares her journey from novelist to publisher, offering invaluable insights into the publishing industry, marketing strategies, and how creators can succeed by understanding the business side of art. ----more---- Chapters 00:00 - The Journey from Novelist to Publisher 06:20…
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Episode 17 - Build Your Pack Feat. Rob Multari
In this episode, Rob Multari shares his extensive experience with Kickstarter campaigns, community building, and marketing strategies for creators. Discover actionable insights on campaign planning, audience engagement, variant covers, stretch goals, and overcoming creator fatigue. ----more----...
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Episode 16 - Global Community Feat. Eric Tapper
In this episode, Joel interviews Eric Tapper, co-founder of GlobalComix. They discuss the evolution of GlobalComix, and share insights on innovation in the industry, emphasizing the importance of making digital publishing accessible and engaging. They also explore the impact of AI and machine...
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Episode 15 - Mosaic of Experience Feat. Kyle Willis
In this episode, Kyle Willis shares his inspiring journey from artist to successful comic book retailer, emphasizing the importance of persistence, adaptability, and business mindset in the creative industry. Discover practical tips on managing multiple facets of a creative business, turning no...
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Episode 14 - Beyond the Campaign Feat. Laurie Foster
In this episode, Joel Rodriguez interviews Laurie Foster, owner of Laguna Studios, about her journey from comic artist to business owner, the importance of vision, balancing creativity with business, and overcoming imposter syndrome. They discuss growth, diversification, and the mindset needed…
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Episode 13 - Rewrite Possible Feat. Erik Laidroo
In this episode, Erik Laidroo, a seasoned media producer and owner of Blue Rock Media, shares insights on building a successful media business, networking strategies, the impact of AI on media production, and lessons from the creative industry that apply to comics. Discover how small jobs can…
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Episode 12 - Whatever is Necessary Feat. David A. Byrne
In this episode of Capital of Comics, host Joel Rodriguez interviews David Byrne, a narrative strategist and lead writer at Metal Ninja Studios. They discuss David's journey into the comic industry, the evolution of his publishing company, W.i.N. Pictures, and the importance of team dynamics in...
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Episode 11 - Recruit like a Pro Feat. Kip Knippel
In this episode, host Joel Rodriguez sits down with executive headhunter and podcast host Kip Knippel (Kip Search, Capitalist Culture) to dismantle the stigma around the business side of creativity. Kip pulls back the curtain on the high-stakes world of executive recruitment and translates those...
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Episode 10 - Strength in Community Feat. Travis Gibb
Success in comics isn't just about what you know, but who you grow with. In this masterclass, host Joel Rodriguez sits down with prolific writer and community leader Travis Gibb (Broke Down And Four Dead Bodies, Voodoo Nations) to discuss the most undervalued asset in the indie comic industry:...
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Episode 9 - Levers of Profit Feat. Eranga Devasurendra
EP 09: The 4 Levers of Profit with Eranga Devasurendra Ever wondered if your creative passion can actually pay the bills—without leading to total burnout? In this episode, host Joel Rodriguez is joined by master illustrator and creator Eranga Devasurendra (Metal Ninja Studios) to demystify the...
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Episode 8 - Homegrown Success Feat. Danny Martinez
In this episode of the Capital of Comics podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with my good friend Danny Martinez, the owner of Flashpoint Comics and Games. We delved into his journey from working at a comic book store to running his own, including the challenges of COVID-19 and balancing...
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Episode 7 - Expansive Education Feat. Steve Colle
In this episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez is joined by Steve Colle, owner of Editor’s Eye View and THE Comics, for a deep dive into the often misunderstood world of comic book editing. Joel and Steve break down the different types of editors across the industry, what each role actually...
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Episode 6 - Fandom: The Superpower - Feat. Michael Zapcic
In this episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez is joined by Michael Zapcic, Manager of Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash, for an inside look at how passion for a fandom can bring people together. They dive into the history of Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash, the behind-the-scenes…
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Episode 5 - Reflecting on 7 years of Metal Ninja Studios
In this special solo Christmas episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez reflects on seven years of building Metal Ninja Studios and the lessons learned along the way. From creative breakthroughs to hard-earned business realities, Joel shares how his understanding of creativity,...
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Episode 4 - Online Retail Success - Feat. James Lamb
In this episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez is joined by James Lamb, owner of Hive Comics, for an inside look at the evolving world of online comic retail. They break down how online retailers have changed the way comics are discovered and sold, what creators often misunderstand about...
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Episode 3 - Building an Academy - Feat. Mark Florio
In this episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez is joined by Mark Florio, Director of Instructional Design of Metal Ninja Studios, for a deep dive on building an educational resource for comic creators and creative entrepreneurs. Together, they unpack why skill-building and continued…
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Episode 1 - Navigating Partnerships - Feat. Dillon Mysliwiec & Brandon Bloxdorf
In this episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez is joined by Dillon Mysliwiec, CTO of SeerNova Comics, and Brandon Bloxdorf, Brand and Community Director for Comix Wellspring, as they discuss Navigating Partnerships. Together, they discuss the 2025 SNCC Virtual Expo, which brought them...
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Episode 2 - The Power of Vision - Feat. Dan Hills
In this episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez is joined by Dan Hills, CEO of Comix Wellspring, for a deep dive on the power of Vision. Together, they explore how vision is formed, why staying committed to it is more challenging than most people expect, and how long-term vision shapes...
About this show
Featured in Enterprise World's "Most Visionary Leaders Shaping the Future of Comics in 2026," the Capital of Comics podcast is hosted by Joel Rodriguez, CEO of Metal Ninja Studios and 2025 Marquis Who’s Who Top Professional. Capital of Comics explores the business of creativity through honest, in-depth conversations. Each week, guests from both within and beyond the comic industry share their experiences, failures, and frameworks for creative success. This masterclass is designed to give creators real clarity about the business side of storytelling and the tools they need to grow their craft, career, and IP.
Hosted by
Joel Rodriguez