Explore every episode of the podcast Inside the Kingdom

Ever started a podcast and wondered if you'd accidentally clicked "play all"? Yeah, we're feeling it too. On this delightfully never-ending episode, we dive deep with Francesco Marciuliano and Jim Keefe, the creative duo behind the beloved comic strip Sally Forth. From tales of family mayhem to creative chaos, Francesco and Jim spill behind-the-scenes secrets, laugh about long-running story arcs, and share how they keep Sally hilariously relatable after more than four decades. Grab a snack, settle in, and wonder aloud with us: "Seriously, is this thing still going?"#SallyForth #comicskingdom #podcast #comicsinterview #comicstrips #comicsonline #comicsexplained #comics

Flash Gordon is back—and pulpier than ever!Join host Alex Garcia, Director of DTC Comics at King Features, as we sit down with Eisner-nominated cartoonist Dan Schkade, the creative force behind the thrilling 2023 reboot of Flash Gordon at King Features Syndicate. In this exclusive chat, Dan shares his unique approach to reinventing Alex Raymond’s iconic sci-fi hero, from his bold decision to speed-run Flash’s origin story, to introducing captivating new characters like Bones Malock and Edda, and how he masterfully balances modern storytelling with classic comic-strip pacing.In this episode:The challenge and excitement of reviving Flash for new and longtime fans alike.Dan's creative journey from the webcomic smash Lavender Jack to landing one of comics' most legendary franchises.Insights into his vibrant visual style—think Darwyn Cooke meets Jack Kirby meets Bruce Timm.The art of crafting cliffhangers, managing daily deadlines, and building an immersive universe one strip at a time.📚 Read the latest Flash Gordon comics:https://comicskingdom.com/flash-gordon🎨 More about Dan Schkade:https://danschkade.com👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into comic culture and exclusive interviews!#ComicsKingdom #FlashGordon #DanSchkade #ComicsInterview #ComicStrips #InsideTheKingdom #KingFeatures #ComicBooks #Podcast

Our host, Nadya Martinez, dives into the vibrant world of Comics Kingdoms' latest additions: 'The Saga of Brann Bjornsan' by Stephen Webster and 'Suburban Fairy Tales' by Francis Bonnet. Join us as we explore their comic origins, their journey to King Features, and much more!

This week, Alex is joined by guests Sarah Hartley, a wizard in brand strategy, and Olivia de Alba, a powerhouse of artistic talent, who together helped King Features reimagine and bring the new Comics Kingdom to fruition. We will unpack the changing tides of comic artistry, marketing genius, and what’s on the horizon for our beloved realm of comics. Olivia de Alba on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-de-alba-08b685149/

By Hart by Sarah Hartley

https://byhart.studio/

Get Drawn In!

https://comicskingdom.com/

On this week's episode, Nadya Martinez (@gothamgeekgirl) sits with Harris Fishman (@beetlemoses) to talk about his strip, how it came about, where he plans to go, and everything in between!

We sit down with Randy Milholland (Something Positive) and Emi Burge to discuss Olive & Popeye, our new weekly comic strip at Comics Kingdom.

Inside the Kingdom is your all-access pass into the colorful and creative world of comics at Comics Kingdom. This podcast isn't just about interviews; it's a lively journey through the halls of King Features, where the magic of characters like Popeye, Flash Gordon, Zits, The Phantom, and Beetle Moses is born. Join us for heartfelt, fun conversations with the brilliant minds crafting these stories. We're talking about the latest developments, the sparks of creativity, and the little-known stories behind your favorite comics. It's a friendly, insightful, and sometimes surprising peek into the world of comic creation – perfect for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and get ready to meet the people who bring these beloved characters to life. Welcome to Inside the Kingdom!

In this inspiring episode of Inside the Kingdom, we sit down with artist Everett Samuel Glenn, known professionally as E.S. Glenn, to explore his compelling journey from a challenging upbringing in Cleveland to his vibrant career in comics and painting. Glenn shares deeply personal insights into his experiences, including his military service, overcoming Visual Snow Syndrome, and his artistic evolution across New York and Europe. Join us as we delve into themes of resilience, identity, and creativity through Glenn's eyes.

In this episode of Inside the Kingdom, we sit down with cartoonist Dan Misdea, the creator of Toons by Dan, which debuted on Comics Kingdom in 2024. Known for his sharp, absurdist humor and clean, minimalist style, Dan shares the story of how he went from sketching ideas in notebooks to being published in The New Yorker and launching a daily comic strip.

We talk creative process, comedic timing, the weirdness of everyday life, and what it takes to make people laugh with just a few panels. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Dan’s work, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

In this special Women’s History Month episode, we’re joined by Andrea Beizer—creator of the charming and insightful comic strip Alice. We explore Andrea’s journey into the world of comics, how she brings a young girl’s voice to life on the page, and why representation matters in traditionally male-dominated spaces. From her first inspirations to the evolution of Alice, Andrea offers candid reflections on what it means to forge a path for future women creators.

Whether you’re a fan of comic strips, an aspiring artist, or simply looking to discover a fresh perspective, this conversation will remind you just how powerful women’s voices can be. Tune in for an inspiring look at the passion, creativity, and history behind Alice—and the women pioneers who continue to shape our cultural landscape.

https://comicskingdom.com/alice

In this episode, we dive into the darker (and funnier) corners of Comics Kingdom with Never Been Deader and Tommy Devoid. Expect lively banter, tales from beyond the comic page, and a few existential laughs.

In this episode, we chat with Marcus Williams, the artist behind the new manga/anime-inspired "Eye Lie Popeye." Learn how Marcus reimagines the classic Popeye with a modern twist. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at his creative process and what fans can expect from this exciting adaptation.

Join us on Inside the Kingdom as we explore Guillermo Saldana's creative journey, the mind behind Willy Black and Palurdeando. Discover how a t-shirt brand evolved into beloved comic strips and get an inside look at Guillermo's artistic process, inspirations, and humor that transcends languages.

In this episode, we chat with Maritsa Patrinos, the creative mind behind the beloved webcomic "Working Cats." This episode takes us into the bustling bodega corners of Brooklyn, where we get up close with Taki and Sula, the charismatic cat duo at the series' heart. Maritsa shares insights into her creative process, the development of her characters, and the real-life inspirations behind the enchanting yet rough-around-the-edges settings.

Dee Parson, the creator of the comic strip Rosebuds, discusses his journey as a cartoonist and his recent collaboration with Comics Kingdom. He shares his excitement about being syndicated by King Features Syndicate and his nomination for Best Humor Webcomic.

March into comics history with us! In this special 75th anniversary episode of Inside the Kingdom, host Alex sits down with Brian Walker to celebrate Beetle Bailey.

From his debut in 1950 as a college slacker to his enlistment at Camp Swampy, Beetle Bailey has been dodging work and cracking readers up for generations. Brian shares stories about his father Mort Walker, the strip’s legacy, and what it means to reach 75 years in the funny pages.

📚 Key moments we cover:

• The early days of Beetle in 1950

• Beetle’s enlistment and shift to Army life in 1951

• Controversies, characters, and cultural influence

• How Brian and the Walker family continue the strip today

• What 75 years of Beetle Bailey means for comics history

Celebrate with us and salute one of the longest-running, most beloved comic strips ever!

👉 Subscribe to Inside the Kingdom for more conversations with legendary cartoonists and creators.

Terri Libenson joins Inside the Kingdom to unpack the diary-voice comedy of everyday life in The Pajama Diaries—why she let Jill, Rob, Amy, and Jess age in real time, how captions vs. word balloons change timing, and how that sensibility continues in her bestselling Emmie & Friends books.

Join host Alex G for a lively conversation with cartoonist Nate Fakes, creator of Break of Day.

Nate shares his journey from fifth-grade contests and college cartoons to syndication with Comics Kingdom. Hear about his offbeat inspirations, his daily writing routine, and why inanimate objects, cats, and the Grim Reaper often find their way into his comics.

Along the way, Nate reflects on his time at MAD Magazine, building fences in Kansas, making the leap to print syndication, and his connection with fellow cartoonists at the Rubens.

Whether you’re a fan of surreal one-panel humor or just curious about the life of a modern cartoonist, this episode is packed with laughs and insight.

📚 Read Break of Day daily on Comics Kingdom: https://comicskingdom.com

#InsideTheKingdom #BreakOfDay #ComicsKingdom #NateFakes #Cartoonist

Comiclicious is the delightfully offbeat strip by Olivera Vukovic—a physical chemist who draws everyday absurdities with a warm, surreal wink. In this quick spotlight, we touch on the strip’s vibe, its recurring voices (Gammie, Liv, and Joe/Death), how real moments spark single-panel gags, and why blending science + art just works.

If you enjoy smart, subtle comics, this one’s for you. 👇

Read the strip: https://www.comicskingdom.com/comiclicious
Follow Comiclicious: @Comiclicious (IG)
More creator spotlights: Inside the Kingdom podcast

Ricardo Liniers, creator of Macanudo and now a two-time Reuben Award winner, joins Inside the Kingdom to celebrate his latest win and share the story behind his beloved strip.

We talk about:
🐧 Fan-favorite penguins (and witches!)
🎬 The Back to the Future gag that hooked so many readers
📚 The comics that shaped him—from Mad Magazine to Mafalda
🎶 His unlikely career as a Sony Music artist and collaborations with Kevin Johansen & Cosmo Sheldrake

Whether you’re a longtime Macanudo reader or meeting it for the first time, this episode is a perfect window into the humor, heart, and whimsy of Ricardo’s world.

👉 Read Macanudo daily at ComicsKingdom.com

Tony Lopes has spent more than two decades finding the funny in absolutely everything: cavemen, office life, technology, death, animals, human behavior, and the occasional idea that should probably have stayed on the back of a receipt.

On this episode of Inside the Kingdom, we welcome the creator of Insanity Streak, the acclaimed single-panel comic with no permanent cast, no fixed setting, and seemingly no limit to where a joke can go next. Tony talks about building a cartooning career through persistence, drawing daily since 2000, the freedom and terror of the blank panel, and why a great gag has to work before the reader has even finished looking at it.

We also get into his life in Australian cartooning, his record-setting 15 Stanley Awards, how the strip travels across countries and cultures, and the strange thrill of making people laugh one panel at a time.

Read Insanity Streak daily on Comics Kingdom.

This week on Inside the Kingdom, we’re joined by John Kovaleski, creator of Daddy Daze.

John talks about the real-life inspiration behind Paul and Angus, the humor of modern parenting, the role of co-parenting in the strip, and how one little word, “Ba,” became one of the most expressive voices in comics.

It’s a funny and thoughtful conversation about fatherhood, family, and finding comic strip magic in everyday life.

Once upon a time, a cartoonist put the Three Little Pigs in the suburbs and never looked back. This week on Inside the Kingdom, we sit down with Francis Bonnet — the creator, writer, and illustrator behind Suburban Fairy Tales — to talk about 20+ years of fairy tale humor, landing at King Features Syndicate, his new book Set Sail to Fail, and what it really takes to keep a comic strip going for two decades.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the strip or discovering it for the first time, this is a fun, honest look at life as a cartoonist.

📰 Read Suburban Fairy Tales on Comics Kingdom:

comicskingdom.com/suburban-fairy-tales

📖 Get Set Sail to Fail on Amazon:

amazon.com/Set-Sail-Fail-Suburban-Collection/dp/B0DFXXWH6F

⏰ CHAPTERS:

0:00 — Intro
2:00 — Who Is Francis Bonnet?
5:00 — The World of Suburban Fairy Tales
9:00 — 20 Years of the Strip
13:00 — Craft & Creative Process
17:00 — Set Sail to Fail & Sunday Editions
20:00 — Lightning Round
23:00 — Where to Find Francis

#SuburbanFairyTales #ComicsKingdom #InsideTheKingdom #ComicStrips #KingFeatures #FrancissBonnet #Webcomics

This week on Inside the Kingdom, we’re joined by Victor Van Acker, creator of Dumplings — a funny, family-friendly strip about Dani, her lovable pup Benny, and the friends (and frenemies) who make everyday life feel like a full-on adventure.

We talk about:

• Finding comedy in school days, friendships, and kid-sized “big deals”
• Building a cast that includes Dani, Benny, and a memorable crew of friends and pets
• Victor’s path to cartooning, from drawing for his family to making Dumplings a daily strip

Read Dumplings on Comics Kingdom, and explore the archive to catch up from the beginning. Like, subscribe, and tell us which character you’re backing: Team Benny or Team Cat Logic.

Dumplings on Comics Kingdom: https://comicskingdom.com/dumplings

About Dumplings: https://comicskingdom.com/dumplings/about

Victor Van Acker (creator page): https://comicskingdom.com/creator/victor-van-acker

What makes toddler life so funny, and so familiar

This week on Inside the Kingdom, we sit down with George Gant, creator of Beware of Toddler, the weekly Sunday comic on ComicsKingdom.com. The strip follows a stay at home dad trying to survive daily life with his wild two year old daughter, and somehow finding laughter in the mess.

George shares how the comic started, how he finds the joke in real parenting moments, and what it has been like growing the strip from webcomic roots into a wider audience through King Features and Comics Kingdom.

Read Beware of Toddler on ComicsKingdom.com (new strips every Sunday), and explore more creator conversations by subscribing to Inside the Kingdom.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro02:10 How Beware of Toddler began06:00 Building the characters12:00 Writing and drawing process18:00 Joining Comics Kingdom24:00 Milestones and recognition29:00 Lightning round33:00 Outro

#Comics #ComicsKingdom #BewareOfToddler #GeorgeGant #KingFeatures #Cartooning #ParentingHumor

What makes a comic quietly brilliant?

In this episode of Inside the Kingdom, we sit down with Hilary Price, the award-winning creator of Rhymes With Orange. Since 1995, Hilary’s strip has captured the humor of everyday life with sharp observation, warmth, and wit.

We talk about the origins of the comic, finding confidence in subtle humor, the creative process behind a long-running strip, and Hilary’s thoughtful perspective on AI and the future of art.

🎨 Featuring: Rhymes With Orange
🎙️ Guest: Hilary Price
📚 Explore the full archive at ComicsKingdom.com

Two talking alley cats. One bustling bagel shop. Endless city misadventures. 🥯🐾

Cartoonist TYLER DEWHIRST joins Inside the Kingdom to talk about creating NIBBLES & SCRATCH—how he found the duo’s voice, mixing warmth with bite, and building a city where nobody blinks at talking cats.

READ THE STRIP:

https://comicskingdom.com/nibbles-scratch

FOLLOW TYLER:

Website: https://www.tylerdewhirstart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylerdewhart

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Cold open

00:15 Intro

01:30 Tyler’s backstory & influences

06:00 Why two talking cats (and a bagel shop alley)

12:30 Nibbles vs. Scratch: the duo dynamic

18:00 Humor with bite: theme & tone

23:30 Process & weekly cadence (Wed/Sun updates)

29:00 Strip spotlights: “New Year” and “Still Hungry” moments

32:30 Reader reactions & surprises

36:00 Lightning round + plugs

38:30 Outro

ABOUT THE SHOW

Inside the Kingdom spotlights the creators and series across Comics Kingdom.

#NibblesAndScratch #ComicsKingdom #InsideTheKingdom #TylerDewhirst #ComicStrips #Cartooning

This week on Inside the Kingdom, we sit down with cartoonist Mike Smith, the longtime editorial cartoonist for the Las Vegas Sun and the creator of Gearhead Gertie on Comics Kingdom.

Mike has spent decades turning politics, culture, and daily absurdity into sharp, readable cartoons. But alongside his editorial work, he’s also built a very different kind of comic world through Gertie, a NASCAR-obsessed character whose love of racing is less of a hobby and more of a full-contact lifestyle.

In this episode, we talk about Mike’s path into cartooning, what makes a strong editorial cartoon work, how he shifts between political commentary and character-driven humor, and why sports fandom is such fertile ground for comedy. We’ll also get into Las Vegas as a sports town, the Golden Knights, NASCAR culture, reader reactions, and the strange joy of drawing people who are absolutely certain they are right.

https://comicskingdom.com/gearhead-gertie

On this episode we sit down with cartoonist Ellen Liebenthal — creator of the brand-new single-panel comic strip Mostly Gravy (weekly Mondays & Saturdays via Comics Kingdom) — to explore how she mines everyday absurdity for one-frame laughs, how her illustration and design background informs her cartooning, and what makes a single panel hit.

🎨 What you’ll hear about:
• Ellen’s cartooning journey from doodles to published strips
• The concept and title behind Mostly Gravy
• How to spot, distill, and draw those tiny strange moments of modern life
• The workflow: idea → sketch → punchline → finished art
• How publishing twice a week shapes creative rhythm
• What she hopes readers feel when they see her work
• A sneak peek at what’s coming next for Mostly Gravy

👉 Read the comic: https://comicskingdom.com/mostly-gravy (new panels every Monday & Saturday)
👉 Follow Ellen Liebenthal: https://ellenliebenthal.com

If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share. And if there’s another comic creator or strip you’d like us to feature, let us know in the comments or on Instagram / X @InsideTheKingdomPodcast.

Thanks for watching — stay curious, stay creative, and keep the laughter rolling.

#InsideTheKingdom #ComicsKingdom #MostlyGravy #EllenLiebenthal #CartoonistInterview #SinglePanelComics

Join us on this episode of Inside the Kingdom as we explore Amber Waves, the comic strip by David Phipps that brings to life the joys, struggles, and everyday magic of growing up on a farm. We chat about Gerald, his animal friends, and how rural family life shapes the stories in a way that’s both nostalgic and new.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• The origin story of Amber Waves — how it began, where it came from, and what makes its voice special.

• How animals are used as more than just background — as little commentators on human life.

• Reflections on rural childhood, authenticity, and why simplicity still resonates.

• What it means now that the strip is part of Comics Kingdom, and what’s ahead.

If you love comics, farm animals, or stories that feel like home, this one's for you.

Where to read Amber Waves: Comics Kingdom and in many local newspapers.

Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share with someone who appreciates comics.

—
Links & Credits:

• Creator: David Phipps

• Amber Waves on Comics Kingdom: [link]

• Follow us on [social media links]
  —
  Thanks for listening, and stay tuned for our next episode!

Join us in this episode of Inside the Kingdom as we travel to a far-off planet and dive into the wild, bizarre, and hilarious universe of Goomer, created by Ricardo Martínez & Nacho “Nacho” Moreno. We’ll explore how this Earthling ended up among aliens, what makes the characters (like Elma, Op, and the many strange creatures around them) tick, and why Goomer’s return to Comics Kingdom in 2024 is a big deal.

In this episode we cover:
• Origins: how Goomer came to be
• Key characters & settings
• What makes the humor work — and sometimes not
• Recent developments and what’s ahead
• Fan questions & reflections

If you love comics, sci-fi absurdity, or just want a good laugh, this one’s for you. Don’t forget to hit Subscribe, leave a Comment with your favorite Goomer strip, and share with fellow comic lovers!

🎙️ Inside the Kingdom Podcast – where we talk everything King Features, comics, and beyond.

#Goomer #ComicsKingdom #RicardoMartinez #InsideTheKingdom

In this episode of Inside the Kingdom, we sit down with the award-winning cartoonist behind Legalization Nation, the groundbreaking comic strip that investigates the real-world cannabis industry, policy failures, misinformation, and the human stories buried underneath it all.

We talk about:

• The rise of comics journalism

• What inspired Legalization Nation

• How Box reports, researches, and draws each installment

• The complexities (and contradictions) of cannabis legalization

• Where the industry is headed — and why comics can explain it best

Read Legalization Nation daily at ComicsKingdom.com.
Subscribe for more creator interviews from the world of King Features Syndicate.

For Father’s Day, Inside the Kingdom gathers a few King Features editors for a relaxed roundtable about dads, father figures, family strips, and the comic characters who have shaped the way we think about family life.

From classic newspaper dads to the everyday chaos of parenting, mentoring, grandparenting, and trying your best in three or four panels, this conversation looks at what comics have always done so well: finding something funny, familiar, and surprisingly tender in the small moments.

We talk about favorite comic strip fathers, family rituals around the funny pages, Father’s Day tropes, and the characters who remind us that comics have always been a place where big feelings can sneak in through little jokes.

Read many of the comics discussed in this episode on Comics Kingdom:
https://comicskingdom.com/

Join the Comics Kingdom community on Discord:
https://discord.gg/55QnWHUst

Step into Hootin’ Holler with us!
This week on Inside the Kingdom, we’re joined by John R. Rose, the cartoonist carrying forward the legendary comic strip Barney Google & Snuffy Smith — one of the longest-running strips in American history.

We talk about:

• The strip’s 100+ year legacy

• The evolution from Barney to Snuffy

• Life and humor in Hootin’ Holler

• John’s creative process and daily cartooning routine

• Why readers have loved these characters for generations

Read Barney Google & Snuffy Smith daily on ComicsKingdom.com
Subscribe for more creator stories, comic history, and behind-the-scenes chats!

What does “success” look like when you’re still figuring it out? Today we hang with Luca Debus, creator of Wannabe—a slice-of-life strip following three roommates (McKenzie, Andy, and Margot) as they chase big dreams and survive the small stuff. We talk origin stories, Schulz’s influence from Luca’s book Funny Things, writing kind comedy, and how daily strips thrive on platforms like Comics Kingdom and Webtoon.📚 Buy the 2024 collection Dumb by Choice (Feb 14–Dec 31, 2024) - https://www.lulu.com/shop/luca-debus/wannabe-dumb-by-choice/paperback/product-gj2eyq5.html?page=1&pageSize=4📰 Read Wannabe on Comics Kingdom - https://comicskingdom.com/wannabe📲 Follow Luca: Linktree - https://linktr.ee/luca.debusTimestamps: 0:00 cold open 1:00 intro 13:00 characters 21:00 craft 31:00 highlight strips 40:00 Q&A 49:00 outro.

Step into the surreal, sideways, wonderfully weird universe of Bizarro!
In this episode of Inside the Kingdom, we sit down with Wayno, the brilliant cartoonist carrying the daily strip forward.

We dig into:

• The origins of Bizarro and its iconic hidden symbols

• How Dan and Wayno built a creative partnership

• What it means to maintain a legacy comic in a digital era

• Blondie’s 95-year milestone — and what it teaches all creators

• The future of offbeat, smart, visual humor

Read Bizarro daily on ComicsKingdom.com and explore the full archive!

New episodes weekly. Like, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps comics fans find us.

It’s Thanksgiving week — and what better time to celebrate one of America’s most iconic families? In this special Inside the Kingdom episode, we sit down with Dianne Erwin and Dana Young Coston to talk all things Blondie — now celebrating 95 incredible years in newspapers and online.

From Dagwood’s legendary sandwiches to Blondie’s timeless humor, this episode is a feast of nostalgia and new beginnings. We’ll dig into how Blondie continues to evolve for modern readers, the creative care behind keeping a legacy alive, and even some Blondie-inspired recipes that fans have been sharing this Thanksgiving week.

🍞 Listen in for:

• The origins of Blondie and its 95-year journey

• How the strip stays fresh for digital audiences

• Blondie’s family recipes and food traditions fans are recreating

• Why laughter (and a good sandwich) are timeless

✨ Read Blondie every day at ComicsKingdom.com/Blondie
🎧 New episodes of Inside the Kingdom drop weekly — subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Meet John Hambrock, creator of The Brilliant Mind of Edison Lee—the daily & Sunday comic about a ten-year-old inventor whose experiments collide with family life, a grumpy grandpa, and a very helpful lab rat named Joules. We talk origin stories, writing science gags, collaborating with Anne Morse Hambrock (the strip’s colorist and contributing writer), and the craft behind a great punchline.

⏱ Chapters
0:00 Cold open
1:00 Intro
3:30 Origins
8:00 Building Edison’s world
16:00 Process & coloring
23:00 Reader favorites
29:00 Craft talk
33:00 What’s next
38:00 Outro

🎙️ Subscribe for more creator deep-dives from Inside the Kingdom.
📚 Read The Brilliant Mind of Edison Lee on Comics Kingdom and explore the book collections.
🏆 Fun fact: Edison Lee launched in 2006 and earned the NCS Silver Reuben for Best Newspaper Comic Strip (2021).

In this episode of Inside the Kingdom, we sit down with Alex Segura (novelist, comics writer, industry veteran) to talk about Phantom 2040: A New Shadow — the bold reinvention of The Phantom launching exclusively on Comics Kingdom.We explore:How the modern Phantom was reimagined for a future worldThe challenges and opportunities of a vertical webcomic formatBalancing legacy elements and fresh ideasCollaboration with art, story, and technologyAnd what’s next for this new chapter in The Phantom’s sagaIf you love comics, legacy characters, or storytelling risk-taking, this is for you.Resources & LinksRead Phantom 2040: A New Shadow on Comics Kingdomhttps://comicskingdom.com/phantom-2040-a-new-shadowFollow Alex Segura onInstagram https://www.instagram.com/alexsegurajr/?hl=enDon’t forget to subscribe, like, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode.#Phantom2040 #Phantom #AlexSegura #KingFeatures #ComicsKingdom #InsideTheKingdom

Comics Kingdom has a Discord now. This episode walks through why we built it, what’s inside, and how readers can join the conversation.

Join here: discord.gg/appQys6v2z

For more than three decades, Between Friends has given readers three women to laugh with, cry with, and grow alongside. Creator Sandra Bell-Lundy joins Inside the Kingdom to reflect on 35 years of friendship, storytelling, and the evolving world of comics.

Sandra talks about how Between Friends began with a flashing answering machine light and a call from King Features’ Jay Kennedy, the lessons she learned from self-syndicating, and the joy—and pressure—of telling stories that matter.

From infertility and adoption to workplace sexism and social media, Sandra has always met life’s realities with humor and humanity. Hear how she builds her stories, balances heartfelt arcs with humor, and connects with readers who see themselves in Kimberly, Maeve, and Susan.

🗞️ Read Between Friends daily on ComicsKingdom.com
💬 Follow Sandra on Facebook and Substack

#BetweenFriends #ComicsKingdom #InsideTheKingdomPodcast #SandraBellLundy #KingFeatures #ComicStrips #WomenInComics

What happens when a Viking ends up in a modern workplace?

Stephen Webster joins Inside the Kingdom to talk about The Saga of Brann Bjornson, a strip that blends fantasy, family life, and office culture into something that feels strangely real.

Stephen’s path to comics isn’t typical. He grew up in Iowa, moved to Russia, studied art in the Arctic, worked in gaming, and eventually built a world where dragons run companies and trolls handle IT.

In this episode, we get into where Brann came from, how the strip evolved, and what it takes to build a world that works both as a daily comic and a long-form story.

Timestamps:

00:00 Cold Open

01:00 Intro

02:00 From Iowa to the Arctic

06:00 Building Brann’s World

10:00 Art Style & Format

14:00 From Personal Project to King Features

18:00 Storytelling & What’s Next

22:00 Lightning Round

Read the strip:

https://comicskingdom.com/the-saga-of-brann-bjornson

Follow Stephen:

https://www.instagram.com/stepneal

One cartoonist. Three daily comic strips. More than 40 years without missing a beat.

Bill Holbrook joins Inside the Kingdom to talk about building and sustaining On the Fastrack, Safe Havens, and Kevin and Kell — all at the same time.

From early days meeting Charles Schulz, to launching one of the first webcomics in 1995, to evolving a daycare strip into full-on sci-fi, Bill’s career doesn’t follow the usual rules.

We get into how his strips changed over time, how he manages the workload, and what keeps him coming back to the drawing board every day.

Timestamps:

00:00 Cold Open

01:00 Intro

02:30 Early Life & Meeting Schulz

07:00 On the Fastrack

12:00 Safe Havens

17:00 Kevin and Kell

22:00 The Process

26:00 Lightning Round

Read On the Fastrack:

https://comicskingdom.com/on-the-fastrack

Read Safe Havens:

https://comicskingdom.com/safe-havens

Read Kevin and Kell:

https://kevinandkell.com

Cartoonist Vaughan Tomlinson joins Inside the Kingdom to talk about Oddly Enough, his understated, offbeat strip that finds humor in the everyday.

We explore his approach to comic timing, visual storytelling, and the art of saying more with less. It’s a thoughtful look at how the smallest moments can land the biggest laughs.

Part of the Comics Kingdom network, where comics are the history of happy.

Check out Oddly Enough
Follow Vaughn on Instagram

Comics Kingdom heads to MoCCA Arts Fest, one of the most important events in independent cartooning.

Host Alex Garcia sits down with Maritsa Patrinos and Isabella Bannerman to talk about indie comics, creative freedom, and how those worlds connect to syndicated strips and larger platforms.

From zines and sketchbooks to the Sunday funnies, this episode explores where comics start, how they grow, and why spaces like MoCCA still matter.

Today on Inside the Kingdom, we’re celebrating the anniversary of Rosebuds on Comics Kingdom and talking all things MAR14DAY.

Created by cartoonist Deon “Supr Dee” Parson, Rosebuds follows sisters Rosa, Maria, and Maricela Gonzalez as they navigate family life with humor, heart, and just the right amount of sibling chaos. The strip launched independently in 2020 and was later picked up by King Features Syndicate. On June 1, 2025, it became a daily comic on Comics Kingdom.

In this episode, we talk about how the strip began, how the sisters evolved, what changed when it went daily, and what this anniversary means to Deon and to readers. We also dig into the fan love behind MAR14DAY and how community moments like that shape the strip’s future.

If you love comics rooted in family, culture, and real emotion, this conversation is for you.

Read Rosebuds daily at ComicsKingdom.com/rosebuds.

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