Uploaded April 2026 | 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
In this episode of the Indie Creator Exchange, Tom Chillemi discusses the shifting landscape of the comic book industry, touching on recent Marvel layoffs, the "distributor wars" involving Universal and Lunar, and the rising costs of traditional publishing. Tom shares the development process for his project Lostlanders, an ongoing series exploring the evolution of fantastic character. He emphasizes the importance of having multiple issues completed before solicitation to ensure consistency and reliability for retailers. The conversation also delves into technical creative workflows, such as the "Marvel style" of plotting and trusting artist expertise over rigid scripting. Tom critiques the lack of "generational affordability" in modern comics, arguing for lower price points and the reintroduction of ad revenue to sustain the medium. He concludes with a look at his diverse creative team and his vision for expanding Lost Landers into animation.
3 Educational Points
1. The "Three-Issue Rule" for Solicitation: Tom advises that creators should have at least three issues fully completed before soliciting the first issue to retailers. This 90-day lead time prevents delays and builds professional trust within the distribution chain.
2. Generational Affordability: A core argument made is that the current $5–$10 price point for a standard 32-page comic is a barrier to entry for younger readers. To build a long-term audience, the industry must find ways to make single issues affordable again, potentially through external ad revenue.
3. The Marvel Style of Collaboration: Tom explains that giving veteran artists plot points rather than rigid scripts allows them to "have fun" and use their visual storytelling expertise, often resulting in more dynamic pacing and expressions.
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
In this episode of the Indie Creator Exchange, Tom Chillemi discusses the shifting landscape of the comic book industry, touching on recent Marvel layoffs, the "distributor wars" involving Universal and Lunar, and the rising costs of traditional publishing. Tom shares the development process for his project Lostlanders, an ongoing series exploring the evolution of fantastic character. He emphasizes the importance of having multiple issues completed before solicitation to ensure consistency and reliability for retailers. The conversation also delves into technical creative workflows, such as the "Marvel style" of plotting and trusting artist expertise over rigid scripting. Tom critiques the lack of "generational affordability" in modern comics, arguing for lower price points and the reintroduction of ad revenue to sustain the medium. He concludes with a look at his diverse creative team and his vision for expanding Lost Landers into animation.
3 Educational Points
1. The "Three-Issue Rule" for Solicitation: Tom advises that creators should have at least three issues fully completed before soliciting the first issue to retailers. This 90-day lead time prevents delays and builds professional trust within the distribution chain.
2. Generational Affordability: A core argument made is that the current $5–$10 price point for a standard 32-page comic is a barrier to entry for younger readers. To build a long-term audience, the industry must find ways to make single issues affordable again, potentially through external ad revenue.
3. The Marvel Style of Collaboration: Tom explains that giving veteran artists plot points rather than rigid scripts allows them to "have fun" and use their visual storytelling expertise, often resulting in more dynamic pacing and expressions.
