This week on Talking Comics we sit down with indie comic creator Laurie Calcaterra, writer of the hit post-apocalyptic western series Path of the Pale Rider! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pathofthepalerider/path-of-the-pale-rider-issues-1-8

Laurie shares her journey from martial arts fight choreography to writing comics, how she adapted a full movie script into a comic series, and what it takes to successfully run multiple Kickstarter campaigns.

We dive into:

✔️ The terrifying world where death is broken

✔️ Turning film scripts into comic storytelling

✔️ Marketing indie comics in today’s landscape

✔️ Convention networking & podcast promotion

✔️ Kickstarter campaign strategies

✔️ Trades, omnibuses & future plans

If you love indie comics, horror westerns, or want to learn how to grow your own comic audience — this episode is for you!

Host: A.J. Reimann

👉 Guest: Follow Laurie: @lauriecalcaterra

📰 Full episode blog on Substack 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/

👉 Hit the Kickstarter “Remind Me” button to follow the project launch (coming early 2026). https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641500179/the-chronicles-of-panel-pete

👉 Watch the Panel Pete trailer now https://youtu.be/z1zDZuO_8hk

Sponsors:

• AMPED Comics – Use code TCP10 for 10% off https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

• Allegra Printing – Printing The Chronicles of Panel Pete

👉🖨 For your comic book printing needs please visit Allegra Traverse City (Tell them AJ Sent You) https://www.allegramarketingprint.com...

Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast

00:09 Laurie's Journey into Comics

07:00 Future of Path of the Pale Rider

13:05 Conventions and Marketing Strategies

19:54 Building Community and Reader Interaction

29:06 The Unique World of Path of the Pale Rider

39:10 Advice for Successful Kickstarter Campaigns

49:11 Confronting Imposter Syndrome

56:05 Creative Processes and Writing Techniques

01:01:49 Community Support in Indie Comics

01:07:38 Stretch Goals and Audience Engagement

01:13:39 Kickstarter Success and Stretch Goals

01:18:09 Exclusive Merchandise and Customization

01:25:49 Hot Sauce and Culinary Ventures

01:35:43 The Superhero Concept and Personal Connections

01:41:09 The Indie Comic Community and Support

01:46:42 Traveling to Conventions and Challenges

01:47:57 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

01:54:18 TPC NEW 52 (2).png

01:54:23 v3 Panel Pete Trailer v2.mp4

01:55:31 riverside_aqu_ad (video) _ jul 11, 2025 001_aquaudio.mp4

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