Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
If you would like to be a guest on the Indie Comic Exchange, please follow this link and fill out the form kurtbrugel.com/indie-comic-book-creator-exchange
Brett's Fembat #1 Fundmycomic campaign fundmycomic.com/campaign/270/fembat-volume-1
Brett's YouTube channel youtube.com/@apexcomix3200
@apexcomix3200
In this episode of Indie Creator Exchange #48, Brett Cantrell shares his lifelong journey in comics, beginning with early influences like Little Abner, Conan the Barbarian, and Swamp Thing. Inspired by newspaper strips and spinner rack discoveries, Brett taught himself to draw before pursuing art courses in high school and college. He recalls his first publication in 1996, a flipbook titled Executor and Femme Fatale, printed in limited numbers before moving on to larger runs. Brett discusses his love for black-and-white indie comics, his later creations like Fembat and Blue Cat, and his experience crowdfunding through FundMyComic. Alongside sharing stories about distribution challenges and the rarity of his earliest books, Brett emphasizes the value of indie communities, conventions, and collaboration. He also highlights his influences, from Jack Kirby to Billy Tucci, and his dedication to traditional pen-and-ink artistry that keeps the classic comic craft alive.
3 Educational Points from the Podcast
1. Self-Taught Learning – Many indie creators begin with inspiration from mainstream comics but build their skills independently through practice and persistence.
2. Publishing Challenges – Printing, distribution, and managing small print runs remain core hurdles for indie publishers, often requiring direct sales at conventions or crowdfunding.
3. Community Importance – Groups, conventions, and platforms like FundMyComic provide critical support, exposure, and collaboration opportunities for independent creators.
If you would like to be a guest on the Indie Comic Exchange, please follow this link and fill out the form kurtbrugel.com/indie-comic-book-creator-exchange
Brett's Fembat #1 Fundmycomic campaign fundmycomic.com/campaign/270/fembat-volume-1
Brett's YouTube channel youtube.com/@apexcomix3200
@apexcomix3200
In this episode of Indie Creator Exchange #48, Brett Cantrell shares his lifelong journey in comics, beginning with early influences like Little Abner, Conan the Barbarian, and Swamp Thing. Inspired by newspaper strips and spinner rack discoveries, Brett taught himself to draw before pursuing art courses in high school and college. He recalls his first publication in 1996, a flipbook titled Executor and Femme Fatale, printed in limited numbers before moving on to larger runs. Brett discusses his love for black-and-white indie comics, his later creations like Fembat and Blue Cat, and his experience crowdfunding through FundMyComic. Alongside sharing stories about distribution challenges and the rarity of his earliest books, Brett emphasizes the value of indie communities, conventions, and collaboration. He also highlights his influences, from Jack Kirby to Billy Tucci, and his dedication to traditional pen-and-ink artistry that keeps the classic comic craft alive.
3 Educational Points from the Podcast
1. Self-Taught Learning – Many indie creators begin with inspiration from mainstream comics but build their skills independently through practice and persistence.
2. Publishing Challenges – Printing, distribution, and managing small print runs remain core hurdles for indie publishers, often requiring direct sales at conventions or crowdfunding.
3. Community Importance – Groups, conventions, and platforms like FundMyComic provide critical support, exposure, and collaboration opportunities for independent creators.
