This week on Let's Talk Comics, I'm joined by Andrew MacLean, the creator behind Head Lopper and one of the most distinctive voices in modern comics.

We talk about Andrew's journey into comics, how his art and storytelling voice developed, and what it takes to sustain a creator-owned career over the long haul. Andrew breaks down his approach to visual storytelling, world-building, and why clarity and momentum matter just as much as big action moments.

We also dig into his new series Death Fight Forever, an all-new action comedy about super-thief bruiser brothers Crash and Bash Biggle, inter-dimensional crime lords, and the choices that can change everything. Andrew talks about the origins of the book, working with Alexis Ziritt, and why this project let him cut loose in a whole new way.

We're kicking off the new year of Let's Talk Comics with creator Brett Bean.

Brett joins the show to talk about the long road that led him back to comics. He shares how working in video games, animation, and other creative industries helped shape his approach, and why he ultimately chose to start over and focus on the medium he always loved most. We talk a lot about process and treating art like problem solving instead of waiting around for inspiration.

We also dig into Brett's new Image Comics series D'orc. Brett breaks down the heart of the book and the balance between humor and violence. There's also talk about why character always comes first for him. He closes out talking about what the the bloodthirsty enchanted shield is all about but also, building a fantasy world that doesn't take itself too seriously. Then he ends with what he hopes readers connect with in the story.

It's a laid-back, honest conversation about making comics and finally betting on yourself.

This episode of Let's Talk Comics is a little different.

Instead of a single guest, Jim Viscardi looks back at a year of conversations with some of the most influential creators in comics and the lessons those conversations revealed.

From Marjorie Liu on never stopping your creative momentum, to Will Maxwell Prince and Deniz Camp on vulnerability and risk, to Sanford Greene on finding your own path into comics, this episode explores what success can look like in comics.

Jim also reflects on conversations with Robert Kirkman, Rob Liefeld, and Marc Silvestri, breaking down why owning your work changes how creators approach risk, failure, and longevity.

The episode wraps with listener Q&A, comic recommendations, and a look ahead at why 2026 may be one of the most exciting years yet for creator-owned comics.

Whether you are a reader, creator, retailer, or someone thinking about breaking into comics, this episode is about why comics thrive when creators take chances.