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

In this episode of the Divergent Comics podcast, I talk with indie comic creator Chris Bickham, creator of Hatui — a futuristic series blending action, political tension, and hybrid human-animal rebels fighting for survival. We discuss Chris’s journey into comics, the life experiences that shaped his storytelling, his creative process, and the future of the series. Plus, we mix in some laughs, creative insight, and advice for aspiring comic creators. If you’re into indie comics and thought-provoking worldbuilding, this is an episode worth checking out.

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

00:01:23 - Chris's Journey into Comics

00:03:36 - The Impact of Life Experiences on Art

00:06:43 - Favorite Vegetables Segment

00:07:34 - Getting in the Creative Zone

00:09:09 - Storyline and Political Undertones

00:12:08 - Character Development and Growth

00:14:09 - Inspiration Behind the Story

00:17:50 - Artistic Choices: Black and White vs. Color

00:19:37 - Future Plans for "Hatui

00:20:53 - Potential Side Projects

00:24:53 - Advice for Aspiring Comic Creators

00:26:06 - Dream Comic Series to Rewrite

00:29:55 - Closing Remarks and Where to Find Chris


* Instagram: chris_infamy80

* TikTok: chrisinfamy80

Summary

In this episode of the Divergent Comics podcast, I sit down with indie comic creator Don, the mind behind Supermassive Hover Biome. We dive into his creative journey, the origins of his publisher name Revenge Audit, and the mix of humor, absurdity, and heartfelt friendship dynamics that shape his webcomic. Don also talks about inspirations like Powerpuff Girls, his approach to subtle storytelling, and upcoming projects including Maho Grindhouse and Subpar Soul Worker. If you love indie comics, weird humor, and behind-the-scenes creative insight, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast

00:02:24 - The Name "Revenge Audit"

00:04:49 - Inspiration for Writing Comics

00:07:13 - Eclectic Tastes in Media

00:10:24 - Supermassive Hover Biome Overview

00:13:45 - Humor in Supermassive Hover Biome

00:16:33 - Character Dynamics

00:19:21 - Powerpuff Girls Influence

00:23:42 - Narrative Techniques

00:29:22 - Future Plans for Supermassive

00:31:03 - Upcoming Projects

00:34:19 - Thoughts on Publishing

00:37:39 - Animated Adaptations

Links

Super massive hover biome main: https://www.revengeaudit.com/super-massive-hover-biome.html

Revengeaudit.com: https://www.revengeaudit.com/

Socials: https://www.instagram.com/revengeaudit/. https://www.instagram.com/donmanchaiii/

In this episode of the Divergent Comics podcast, I sit down with author Mike Driver to discuss his journey into writing and the inspiration behind his book King of the Block. We explore the story’s themes and its complex anti-hero, Rafe Simmons, who struggles with the consequences of his life rather than embracing it. Mike shares insights on authenticity in storytelling, his creative process, and why writers should focus on telling the stories that matter to them. We also touch on the future of the series, including the sequel Rafe’s Return and potential spinoffs.

00:00:00 - Welcome to the Divergent Comics Podcast

00:02:30 - Dedication and Motivation

00:05:00 - The Importance of 'Why'

00:08:00 - Influences in Writing

00:12:00 - Rafe's Transformation

00:19:30 - Book Series Overview

00:21:00 - Future Projects

00:24:00 - Advice for Aspiring Writers

00:32:00 - Closing Thoughts

Links

https://www.instagram.com/mikedriverauthor/

https://tr.ee/wDinZohbXd

https://www.threads.com/@mikedriverauthor

Summary

In this engaging interview, author A Will shares her journey into writing, the inspiration behind her novel 'Tell Hazel I Love Her,' and her unique approach to blending multiple genres. Discover her creative process, character development, and insights into storytelling that defy conventional rules.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to A Will and Her Journey

02:54 The Evolution of Writing and Inspiration

05:52 Genres and Writing Style

08:43 The Impact of Real Life on Fiction

11:43 Character Development and Pacing

14:39 The Significance of Will's Character

17:30 Inspiration Behind the Title

20:24 Personal Experiences in Writing

23:22 Incorporating Family into Fiction

28:15 Exploring Personal Connections in Storytelling

29:53 Favorite Moments and Character Interactions

33:25 The Intentional Use of Letters in Narrative

34:05 Understanding Character Dynamics and Reader Reactions

38:15 Character Development: The Case of Nate

40:56 Favorite Characters and Their Inspirations

Resources

A Will on Threads - https://www.threads.com/@thee.soloartist

A Will on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thee.soloartist/

Summary

In this episode, Gary interviews Malcolm McFadden about his latest comic 'Thema, The God of War,' the rise of indie comics, and how creators can gain more exposure. They discuss the impact of social media, Kickstarter, and community support in the indie comic scene.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Indie Comics and the Podcast

06:27 The Rise of Indie Comics

11:03 Navigating the Indie Comic Scene

16:17 Kickstarter: The Lifeblood of Indie Comics

19:53 Promoting Thema: The God of War

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sixfifteencomics/thema-the-queen-of-war?ref=user_menu