This week on Epic Realms, Nick sits down with three-time Eisner Award nominated cartoonist, writer, and illustrator Chris Schweizer for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, storytelling, and building a life around making comics.

From his childhood in Louisiana and Kentucky to his years studying art, theater, and filmmaking, Chris reflects on the experiences that shaped his artistic voice and eventually led him into the world of graphic novels. Along the way, he shares stories about making homemade movies as a kid, discovering classic comic strips like Calvin and Hobbes and Pogo, and finding his place within the evolving comics industry.

The discussion explores the craft behind visual storytelling, the unique language of comics, and the creative choices that separate newspaper strips, graphic novels, and superhero books. Chris also looks back on the creation of Crogan's Adventures, the project that helped launch his professional career, and discusses how his approach to writing and illustration has evolved over the years.

The second half of the conversation focuses on The Outlaw's Apprentice, Chris's upcoming fantasy graphic novel launching on Kickstarter. Drawing inspiration from Appalachian culture, classic adventure fiction, and a lifelong love of immersive worldbuilding, the series follows a young apprentice and his unlikely mentor as they navigate a dangerous world while staying one step ahead of the law.

Filled with insights on art, storytelling, history, comics, and creativity, this is a fascinating look inside the mind of one of the most distinctive voices working in graphic novels today. Check out the links for Chris Schweizer's stuff below.

https://schweizercomics.com/

https://www.patreon.com/ChrisSchweizer

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/schweizer/outapp1?ref=profile_saved_projects_prelaunch&category_id=Q2F0ZWdvcnktMjUy

Bestselling queer romance author Amanda Meuwissen joins Epic Realms for a special 5 Year Anniversary episode.

Amanda discusses her journey from a storytelling-obsessed kid and fan fiction writer to a full-time author known for blending romance with fantasy, horror, science fiction, mythology, and paranormal elements. She shares insights into self-publishing, marketing, working with editors, finding your audience, and the realities of turning a creative passion into a career.

The conversation explores the influence of fan fiction on modern storytelling, the importance of authentic representation, and Amanda's advice for writers looking to create characters and experiences outside their own perspectives.

We also talk about Robot AU, her newest release and part of an ambitious multi-author collaboration that celebrates fan fiction culture through alternate universe storytelling. Amanda explains how the project came together and why it has become one of her most exciting creative experiences.

Plus, we discuss Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, creative burnout, audiobook production, upcoming collaborations, and the novel she has been trying to finish since college.

Join us for an engaging conversation about creativity, community, publishing, and the stories that inspire us to keep writing. Check out all her works at her website. https://amandameuwissen.com/

On this episode of the Epic Realms Podcast, we sit down with legendary comic book artist and writer Tim Seeley for a deep dive into his life, career, and passion for storytelling through comics.

Tim talks about discovering comics at an early age and how that passion shaped both his creative identity and career path. From growing up with a love for drawing to being encouraged throughout high school and college to pursue art seriously, Tim shares the experiences that helped push him toward becoming one of the industry's most recognizable creators.

We also discuss his internship at Marvel Comics during the pre-Disney era and how that experience opened his eyes to both the exciting and difficult realities of the comic book industry. Tim reflects on learning the business side of comics while navigating the early stages of his career.

The conversation also explores the creation of Hack/Slash, including how the concept came together, the process of pitching the series, and the impact it had on his career and the horror comic genre as a whole.

As a huge fan of Nightwing, Nick made sure to spend time discussing Tim’s work on both Grayson and Nightwing. Tim shares insight into his research process, incorporating easter eggs, honoring continuity, and staying as canon-friendly as possible while still telling compelling stories.

We also talk about the differences between writing and illustrating comics, the challenge of balancing creative passion projects with work that pays the bills, and the realities of maintaining longevity in the comic book industry.

Whether you are a longtime comic reader, an aspiring creator, or just someone who loves hearing behind-the-scenes stories from the industry, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and honest conversation.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow the Epic Realms Podcast for more interviews with creators from across comics, gaming, film, and pop culture. Check out Tim Seeley at his website. https://www.timseeleycreative.com/