Pesto Comics - Audio Edition

I'm reflecting on my 2026 New Year's resolution and the importance of focusing on personal development. This video explores my journey in self improvement and the role of system thinking in achieving goals. Ultimately, it's about self actualization and continuous self help, even when plans go awry. Find the Super Secret Epilogue here: https://youtu.be/xpgUGAtIwNk 00:00 Intro 01:35 Systems, Not Res...

Pesto Comics 2026 Preview: Exciting New Projects and Major ChangesIn this end-of-year special, Adriano from Pesto Comics outlines the exciting new projects and significant operational changes coming in 2026. Announcements include a shift in Kickstarter focus exclusively to comics, double shipping campaigns for more efficient releases, and partnerships with third-party shippers to improve distribut...

Super Secret Epilogue: https://youtu.be/Ok54Kw9ddgk A Year in Review for Pesto Comics Adriano from Pesto Comics looks back at the successes and lessons of 2025. Featuring key highlights from the year like 'Naked Kaiju Woman' and 'From Parts Unknown,' Adriano reflects on campaigns, comics, and upcoming projects for 2026. 00:00 Intro 00:19 What the plan was for 2025 01:18 Comics of 2025 04:58 Books...

What Worked for My Substack in 2025 I've posted over 70 times on Substack this year and experimented with various formats. Discover my key learnings from these experiments, the importance of a strong email list, and tips for maintaining engagement. 00:00 Intro 00:46 The Importance of an Email List 01:50 Experiment #1: Elsewhere in the Universe 03:21 Experiment #2: Paid Subscribers 05:44 Experiment...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com Welcome Back I have a campaign that is live on Kickstarter called Big Smoke Pulp Vol. 2 , and you can get it through December 19th. If you’re paying attention, you may notice that December 19th is very, very close to Christmas. Did I make a horrible mistake in doing so? Hard to say. I had a very good launch day,...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com I reflect on why I failed the Novel November challenge again. I've got four good reasons why and some solutions for future challenges. Plus - a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!00:00 Intro 01:01 Project Updates 03:40 What Did I Do So Wrong?! 03:46 Mistake #1: Failed to Plan 05:18 Mistake #2: My Timing was Awful 06:36 Mistake #3...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com Welcome Back Better late than never! We’re here for yet another post-mortem - and this one is for the big one: Naked Kaiju Woman #2 . This was easily our best campaign yet and I’ll be sharing it all with you today - with a twist. I’ve summarized each slide a little bit, but the real meaty version of the post-mor...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com It's launch day for Big Smoke Pulp Volume 2 on Kickstarter,! Today, I provide details on the available rewards, including digital, audiobook, and print editions. I'll also cover my plans for future campaigns, new projects, and the lessons learned from previous endeavors. 00:00 Special Announcement 00:38 Welcome...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com I spent a week in Italy exploring their comic culture and comparing it to North America's. I found differences in how comics are consumed and the prevalence of manga, but overall, Italy seems more reader-focused. I discuss what we can learn from Italy's approach to comic distribution and culture. 00:00 Introduct...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com I'm juggling multiple comic projects with prose! This video details my process for balancing both types of projects, including tips for staying organized and productive. Learn about writing and self publishing your own comic books with my tips! 00:00 Intro 06:04 The Framework 09:22 Where You Can Find Me See MORE...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com Let's review the weekend at the New York Comic-Con 2025! From exploring Artist’s Alley to navigating the crowded show floor, I'll share the highlights, challenges, and fantastic panels I attended. Plus, get a look at my convention haul including exclusive comics, BLIND BAG pins, and panel memorabilia. 00:00 Comi...

Let's review the weekend at the New York Comic-Con 2025! From exploring Artist’s Alley to navigating the crowded show floor, I'll share the highlights, challenges, and fantastic panels I attended. Plus, get a look at my convention haul including exclusive comics, BLIND BAG pins, and panel memorabilia. 00:00 Coming Up 00:25 Welcome Back 02:06 The Good 07:44 The Bad 14:50 The Haul 21:31 Will I Retur...

The past and present are converging! Blind bags and variant covers are back. Did we learn the right lessons from the 1990s comic book market crash? Plus an exciting unboxing of a DC KO Blind Bag. 00:00 Coming Soon 00:11 Welcome Back 02:27 The FOMO Casino 04:16 Pumping Up the Stock 04:50 A Good Strategy for f Indies? 06:55 Not as Bad as a Car 08:28 The Way Forward 09:42 The Difference 10:27 Unsolic...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com Ever wonder just how many copies of your indie comic you should print? How to do you what the right amount is? You don't - but we can figure it out together! 00:00 Coming Up 00:19 Welcome 01:32 Print Run Math 01:56 Getting Quotes 06:01 The Formula 07:11 My Recommendation 08:50 Paid Subscibers Lots to come from P...

Con Journal: Word on the Street 2025 This week, we look at the good, the bad and the ugly for Word on the Street 2025. 00:00 Coming Up 00:23 Welcome Back 03:50 What Went Well 11:16 The Weird Weekend 14:30 Will I Return? 16:06 Upcoming Posts 17:06 Super Secret Epilogue Lots to come from Pesto Comics, follow the prelaunch pages here: Big Smoke Pulp Vol. 2 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pestoco...

This week, we're doing a shorter version of my rundown for successful Kickstarter campaigns - for comics & books! With 10 successful campaigns under my belt, I share the three phases of a Kickstarter campaign: pre-launch, the campaign itself, and fulfillment. For more in-depth coverage on all things Kickstarter, see my talks at TCAF and Thought Bubble: https://youtu.be/P33xLH3uO50?si=TuL_2F6QrCJwy...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com In this episode, we look into whether NSFW comics are just a fun niche or a necessity. We use the current Pesto Comics blockbuster, Naked Kaiju Woman #2, as a way to reflect on indie comic campaign strategies - and what the future might hold for Pesto Comics. If you're interested in joining in on the fun, find N...

In this episode of Pesto Comics, we have a detailed post-mortem analysis of the Kickstarter campaign for 'From Parts Unknown #4', the final installment in my vampire wrestling comic series. We discuss the highs, lows, strategies, backer insights, funding details, and lessons learned from this campaign. This video is available as an audio podcast on all your favourite platforms as 'Pesto Comics Aud...

Adriano takes a detour from talking comics and crowdfunding to review the concert-filled summer including performances by Metallica, Halsey, System of a Down, Dua Lipa and more. Watch as he does his best to tie it all into talking about comics. As always, stick around past the newsletter portion (16:23) to hear the Super Secret Epilogue for an off-the-cuff discussion of the need for creative break...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com Today's post for September 13, 2025 is a paid post for subscribers (with a free preview for all). If you'd like to get the whole post, become a subscriber today at https://pestocomics.substack.com I'll go into some of the biggest projects that I just can't seem to revive out of the Idea Graveyard. This is availa...

00:00 Welcome Back 02:29 Worklog 03:00 Prelaunch Rodeo 03:38 The Self-Flagellating Hustle Bro 04:35 Yet Another System 04:59 Events & Tasks 06:15 Always Improving 07:20 A Morbid Concept 07:46 Coming Up on the Substack 08:24 Upcoming Appearances 09:11 Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast 09:53 Thank you for listening 11:49 New Experiments 16:24 The Rest of 2025 This is a public episode. If you would like...

00:00 Welcome Back 01:25 Worklog 02:27 Back in Action 03:36 What's New with Issue Two 04:36 What's Available 06:24 Ending the Comics Year with a Bang 07:36 Coming Up on the Substack 08:01 Upcoming Appearances 09:13 Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast 09:54 Super Secret Epilogue 13:27 Even More Projects 15:14 A New Strategy 18:14 Thanks Again This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this w...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit pestocomics.substack.com 00:00 Welcome Back 01:43 What I Read vs. What I Write 02:52 Should I Even Pick a Lane? 03:54 Is There a Better Way? 05:41 Casting a Wide Net 06:40 Super Secret Epilogue 08:12 The Old Way 09:27 Talking Burnout 12:10 Yes to Genre Hopping 13:32 The Goal 14:22 Still 2025 to Go

00:00 Welcome Back 01:44 Worklog 02:32 Main Story 02:46 Meeting Up with Pals 04:16 Return to Smallville 05:23 The Nintendo Switch 2 05:50 AI Controversy on the Floor 07:10 Looking Forward 07:56 Future Plans 09:02 Coming Up on the Substack 09:45 Upcoming Appearances 10:10 Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast 10:35 Super Secret Epilogue 12:25 The Difference with Panels 14:28 Applying for Artist Alley 16:0...

00:00 Welcome Back 01:24 Worklog 02:00 Prelaunch Rodeo 03:09 Main Story 03:31 The New Digital 04:43 The Webtoon Scroll 05:51 Labubuization of Comics 06:33 Compact Comics - More for Your Money 07:27 No Right Answer 08:23 Coming Up on the Substack 08:57 Upcoming Appearances 09:46 Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast 10:17 Super Secret Epilogue 12:04 The Pulp Writerly YouTube Channel 12:38 Delaying Switch/...