Comic Lab

Today’s show is sponsored by Huion, makers of the Huion Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) — a 21.5" pen display with a gorgeous 2.5K screen and really smooth performance. Bottom line: it feels great to draw on — and it punches way above its price.

*Check it out here: https://comiclabshop.com

*Use code COMICLAB5 for an exclusive 5% discount! (Valid through June 14th)

On Today's Show: Your comic is gaining traction — but now readers want answers faster than you can tell the story. Brad and Dave explain why that’s actually a great sign — and how to turn audience curiosity into a powerful engine that keeps readers hooked instead of overwhelming your narrative. PLUS — CONGRATULATIONS TO DAVE KELLETT FOR HIS HUGO AWARD NOMINATION!

TOPICS

Dave Kellett has been nominated for a Hugo Award

How much to share with an eager audience

ComicLab Confab (609) DRY-ELB-0

Update: USPS fuel surcharge will *not* affect Media Mail prices

New tariff worries

NCS conference and Reuben Awards Aug. 6-8, Columbus, Ohio

Different ways to present a scene

A listener question leads into the episode’s central topic: what to do when a new project suddenly starts attracting attention and readers begin asking lore questions faster than the story can answer them. Brad and Dave frame this as the best possible problem for a storyteller to have — not a crisis, but proof that the story is working. Their advice is to resist the urge to dump exposition too early, and instead use reader curiosity as fuel to keep them engaged and coming back for more.

Another listener question asks how to make necessary exposition more entertaining in a history comic, and the hosts widen that into a general storytelling discussion. They explore how to handle “problem panels” — moments where important information must be conveyed, but the raw facts feel static or dull. Their answer is that exposition does not need to be delivered plainly: creators can change the point of view, alter the tone, insert found documents, frame facts through action, or even break into totally different storytelling modes if it makes the comic more engaging.

The episode also includes a couple of business updates for cartoonists. Brad shares good news about USPS fuel surcharges not applying to Media Mail, which matters for creators shipping books, while Dave warns that new tariffs may affect imported book shipments and advises cartoonists to build more buffer into Kickstarter budgets for 2026. It’s a practical reminder that making comics also means staying alert to the changing realities of fulfillment and production costs.

You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon
$2 — Early access to episodes
$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast. Plus $2-tier rewards.
If you'd like a one-on-one consultation about your comic, book it now!
Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

Today’s show is sponsored by Huion, makers of the Huion Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) — a 21.5" pen display with a gorgeous 2.5K screen and really smooth performance. Bottom line: it feels great to draw on — and it punches way above its price.

• Check it out at https://comiclabshop.com

• Use code COMICLAB5 for an exclusive 5% discount! (Valid through June 14th)

The platforms we trusted to grow our audience have pulled the rug out from under us, and it’s time to take that control back. Brad and Dave explore how creators are reclaiming their power by ditching platform dependence, rebuilding direct connections through newsletters, webrings, and other community tools.

TODAY'S SHOW

Reclaiming Our Power — How Web 1.0 strategies are helping creative pros take back their publishing

Huion sponsorship — https://comiclabshop.com

See ComicLab LIVE at the National Cartoonists Society Conference and Reuben Awards in Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 6-8

ComicLab Confab (609) DRY - ELB-0

How to fill in story gaps between books

Adapting books into comics

Dr. Reginald Wigglesby

You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon
$2 — Early access to episodes
$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast. Plus $2-tier rewards.
If you'd like a one-on-one consultation about your comic, book it now!
Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

Today’s show is sponsored by Huion, makers of the Huion Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) — a 21.5" pen display with a gorgeous 2.5K screen and really smooth performance. Bottom line: it feels great to draw on — and it punches way above its price.

• Check it out at https://comiclabshop.com

• Use code COMICLAB5 for an exclusive 5% discount! (Valid through June 14th)

TODAY'S SHOW

How to do a two-page splash page

Get your discounted Huion Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) at comiclabshop.com - COMICLAB5

UPDATE: Got a comment for ComicLab? Dial the ComicLab Confab! ‪(609) 379-3520‬... that's (609) DRY ELB-0

NCS in Columbus, Ohio, Aug 6-8

USPS fuel surcharge goes into effect April 26th and ends (maybe?) Jan. 17, 2027 (NOTE: This will not affect Media Mail pricing)

Editorial cartoonists on social media

What's the deal with Susan MacTaggart?

Introducing Dr. Reginald Wigglesby

Splash Pages

Brad and Dave take a deep dive into splash pages — what they are, how they’ve traditionally been used, and how they function differently in print versus webcomics. They discuss classic first-page splash images as attention-grabbing devices, as well as the practical reality that they can help creators hit deadlines. Dave shares how he uses splash pages sparingly in Drive to give big moments room to breathe, while Brad explains how he uses them consistently at the start of chapters in Evil Inc, both as storytelling tools and promotional assets. The conversation also explores why two-page splash spreads can struggle online — especially on mobile — and reinforces a key principle: a graphic novel page is not the same as a webcomic update, and each must be designed with its medium in mind.

ComicLab Confab (Listener Calls)

The guys remind listeners about the ComicLab Confab — their voicemail line where creators can call in with questions, comments, or hot takes. It’s an easy, low-pressure way for the community to participate in the show and potentially have their thoughts featured on-air. If you’ve got something to say about comics, business, or creative life, you can dial ‪(609) 379-3520 — that’s (609) DRY-ELB-0.

National Cartoonists Society — Columbus, Ohio

Brad and Dave highlight the upcoming National Cartoonists Society event in Columbus, Ohio (Aug. 6–8), encouraging cartoonists to attend. They emphasize the value of in-person networking, camaraderie, and professional development that comes from gathering with other working cartoonists — something that can be hard to replicate online. https://nationalcartoonists.com/registration-now-open-80th-reuben-awards-ncs-conference/

USPS Fuel Surcharge Update

A practical business note: the USPS fuel surcharge goes into effect April 26 and is expected to run (possibly) through January 17, 2027. This will impact many shipping rates for creators who sell physical goods, though Media Mail remains unaffected. For cartoonists running Kickstarters, online stores, or Patreon rewards, this is a reminder to factor rising shipping costs into pricing and planning. https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2026/0325-usps-announces-transportation-related-time-limited-price-change.htm

Editorial Cartoonists on Social Media

The conversation touches on how editorial cartoonists are navigating social media — including the challenges of visibility, audience building, and platform changes. Brad and Dave reflect on how shifting algorithms and audience behavior can affect political and commentary-based comics, and what that means for creators trying to get their work seen.

What’s the Deal with Susan MacTaggart?

In a classic ComicLab aside, Brad and Dave riff on the mysterious (and confusing) name “Susan MacTaggart,” using it as an example of how something presented without context can create intrigue — or just bewilderment. It ties back humorously to their broader discussions about clarity, audience expectations, and grabbing attention.

Introducing Dr. Reginald Wigglesby

The episode also features the introduction of Dr. Reginald Wigglesby — a comedic bit that adds to the show’s ongoing tradition of playful world-building and running gags. It’s a reminder that even in a craft-focused podcast, humor and character bits are part of what makes ComicLab feel like hanging out with friends.

You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon
$2 — Early access to episodes
$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast. Plus $2-tier rewards.
If you'd like a one-on-one consultation about your comic, book it now!
Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

In this episode, Brad and Dave tackle a question every cartoonist eventually asks: Where should I invest my time and energy? From gallery shows to professional organizations to keeping up with “the kids,” this conversation is packed with practical, experience-tested advice.

But first things first! Here's Brad's 2021 blog post about the science behind why vampires don't cast a reflection in a mirror.

Are Art Galleries Worth It?

A listener asks whether exhibiting in a gallery helps grow a comics career.

Key takeaways:

• Gallery exposure rarely converts into comic readers

• If it’s not clickable, it’s not effective promotion

• Sales are often split (sometimes 50/50), cutting into profits

• You can usually sell original art more effectively on your own platform

• The biggest benefit? Personal satisfaction and a nice ego boost

Should Beginners Join Professional Organizations?

Brad and Dave revisit a classic question: Are groups like the National Cartoonists Society (NCS) worth it?

• 10–15 years ago: Limited practical value
• Today: Much more actionable, community-driven, and educational

What You Actually Get

• Real-world, practical learning (panels, talks, workshops)

• Networking with professionals who actually understand comics

• Access to events, meetups, and tabling opportunities

• Career insight you won’t get from general audiences

Pro tip:

For younger creators, discounted memberships make this a much easier entry point.

ComicLab at the Reubens

Brad and Dave will be presenting at this year’s Reuben Awards Weekend, August 6-8 in Columbus, Ohio.

Their session: “Actionable Advice in a Time of Change”

• Practical, career-focused insights

• Guest cartoonists joining a live panel format

• A mix of strategy, storytelling, and real-world experience

They’ll also be around all weekend — panels, conversations, and (possibly questionable) lunch recommendations.

Get on the mailing list so you don't miss out!

Call the ComicLab Talkback Line

Got a question or something to share?

📞 609-379-3520

That's...

📞 609-DRY-ELB-0

Leave a message and you might hear it on a future episode!

Final Thought

Whether it’s galleries, organizations, or audience trends, the theme of this episode is simple:

Focus on what actually moves your career forward — and don’t confuse visibility with value.

Join our comics community

 👉 patreon.com/comiclab

You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon
$2 — Early access to episodes
$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast. Plus $2-tier rewards.
If you'd like a one-on-one consultation about your comic, book it now!
Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

This week on ComicLab, veteran comic artists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett kick things off a discussion about something every cartoonist wrestles with: work-life balance. If you’re juggling a day job, relationships, and your creative ambitions, Brad and Dave break down practical strategies that actually work — including:

• Why consistency beats intensity

• How to build a repeatable creative schedule

• The power of small, daily wins

• And why your health and relationships are just as critical as your drawing skills

They also tackle a big-picture career question: What happens when a long-running comic ends? Dave shares his thoughts on winding down Drive, how to retain an audience, and the challenge of transitioning into your next project without losing momentum.

Plus:

• Smart ways to monetize short comics

• Why finished is better than perfect

• And how thinking long-term can transform your creative output

Whether you’re just starting your first comic or planning your next big move, this episode is packed with actionable advice — and a few chaotic detours along the way.

Key takeaway: Three years are going to pass anyway… you might as well have a finished comic at the end of them.

Today's Show

• UPDATE: Enshittification of Bluesky begins

• Work-Life balance

• UPDATE: NCS Conference and Reuben Awards

• Monetizing short comics

• What will Dave do when Drive is over?

For more information about joining the National Cartoonists Society, go to https://nationalcartoonists.com/how-to-join/

• Get on the mailing list 

• More information on the 27 Club

• 80th annual Reuben Awards and NCS Conference — August 6-8, 2026

 

You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon
$2 — Early access to episodes
$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast. Plus $2-tier rewards.
If you'd like a one-on-one consultation about your comic, book it now!
Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.