In this episode of the Divergent Comics podcast, I sit down with comic book creator Nigel Lynch, the writer behind Critical Ops Task Force and several other exciting projects. We dive deep into the craft of comic storytelling, exploring everything from character development and world-building to pacing, page composition, and creating memorable moments that keep readers hooked.

Nigel shares the inspirations that shaped his creative journey. We discuss how to build compelling characters with unique motivations, balance action with meaningful storytelling, and weave tension, humor, and social commentary into a comic narrative.

We also explore the realities of creating independent comics, including collaborating with artists, handling feedback and criticism, running Kickstarter campaigns, and pitching stories in a competitive industry.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and episode overview

00:31 - Nigel Lynch’s background and journey into comics

01:57 - Would You Rather? super strength vs super speed discussion

03:25 - Preferences for handling heat and cold in stories

04:17 - Favorite TV series vs favorite movies challenge

05:09 - Inspiration behind becoming a comic book writer

06:30 - Influential comics: Punisher Max and The Walking Dead

07:56 - Writing style: storytelling without reliance on captions

09:04 - Genre preferences: action, science fiction, and beyond

10:22 - Humor, levity, and serious moments in comics

13:39 - Nigel’s favorite part of his writing process

15:04 - Overcoming writer’s block and story flow techniques

17:36 - Top Marvel movies—Guardians, Endgame, and more

20:58 - Development of Critical Ops Task Force’s universe and themes

23:24 - Characters in Critical Ops Task Force: inspirations and traits

29:15 - Crafting character personalities and dynamics

33:01 - Creating layered characters like Jess and Rosetta

39:15 - Kickstarter campaign details for Critical Ops Task Force Volume One

40:54 - Future projects and related works in the same universe

45:13 - Advice for submitting stories to Wise Acre Comics

48:46 - Closing remarks, social links, and where to find Nigel’s workResources & Links:

Links

https://www.beyondpublishingcaribbean.com/

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/akoma/critical-ops-task-force-volume-1?ref=nav_search&result=project&term=%20ops%20task%20force&total_hits=3

https://wiseacre.us/buy-comics

https://www.instagram.com/thenigelverse/

In this episode of the Divergent Comics podcast, I sit down with Mark, creator of Psion, a supernatural thriller blending mystery, conspiracy, and Southern Gothic influences. We discuss his journey from engineering student to comic creator, the inspiration behind Psion, the importance of representation in comics, and how community and identity shape his storytelling.

00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:01:30 - Discussion on Supporting Black Independent Creators

00:02:50 - Mark's Background and Journey to Writing

00:04:30 - Overview of Scion and Its Themes

00:06:50 - Influences and Inspirations for Scion

00:09:00 - Would You Rather Segment Begins

00:09:30 - Perfect Gift vs. Receiving What You Want

00:10:50 - Unlimited Vacation Days vs. Guaranteed Raise

00:12:00 - Telekinesis vs. Telepathy

00:13:30 - Catalyst for Creating Comics

00:17:00 - The Impact of HBCUs on Mark's Life

00:20:30 - The Importance of Community and Representation

00:25:00 - Character Development: John Lewis

00:30:00 - Exploring the Southern Gothic Genre

00:32:30 - Crimson Sleeper Studios: Origin of the Name

00:35:00 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/crimsonsleeper/psion-2-a-southern-gothic-thriller-48-pages-full-color?ref=ct9px2

https://www.instagram.com/crimsonsleeperstudios?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

In this episode of the Divergent Comics podcast, I sit down with Matt of Birdseye View Comics to discuss his comic Biorhythm, a sci-fi epic where a cosmic event sparks the evolution of humans and animals, leading to a clash between two emerging species. We explore his journey into comics, the themes and inspirations behind his work, upcoming projects, and his vision for expanding Biorhythm into a tabletop RPG.

00:01:30 - Getting to Know Matt

00:02:30 - Would You Rather Segment

00:11:00 - Story Overview of Biorhythm

00:14:30 - Political Themes in Biorhythm

00:16:30 - The Evolution of the Title

00:18:00 - Other Projects by Matt

00:20:30 - Impact of Biorhythm on Readers

00:23:00 - Biorhythm as a Tabletop RPG

00:24:30 - Medium Adaptation Preferences

00:26:00 - Advice for New Comic Creators

00:27:30 - Where to Find Matt and His Work

00:28:00 - Conclusion and Farewell

https://www.instagram.com/matthewbradley238?igsh=MWNiaGg0Mnl3eGNlNg==

byrdseyeviewcomics.com