Writer Robert Kirkman joins the show to talk about his wild ways in the direct market and work on comics like the upcoming Skinbreaker and Transformers. Kirkman discusses his feelings about San Diego Comic Con, a typical day for him, the Skybound side of things, his unconventional approach to the direct market, the impact of experimentation, paying attention to the market, creating vs. connecting, why the Energon Universe worked, building excitement, learnings from the Invincible show, the magic of comics, David Finch’s work on Skinbreaker, how he built that series out, the unique collaboration on that book, his love of working with artists, creator-owned comics, the possessiveness of fans, taking over Transformers, how he’s approaching it, 2025 in comics, the evolution of comics, and more.

You can find Kirkman on Bluesky and Twitter and his work in Invincible on Amazon Prime, Void Rivals and Invincible Universe: Battle Beast at Skybound/Image, and the upcoming Skinbreaker and Transformers at Skybound/Image.

You can download the episode directly here on Libsyn.

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Want to watch a video version of this interview, albeit mostly unedited? This chat with Robert Kirkman is available on the SKTCHD/Off Panel YouTube.

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Thanks to one of the sponsor of this week’s podcast: 2000 AD! If you love sci-fi, horror, fantasy and action, then 2000 AD is the greatest comic you’re not reading! 2000 AD has a whole universe of characters, from Judge Dredd and Strontium Dog through to Rogue Trooper, Zenith, Shakara and many more. In every weekly issue you get five action-packed stories from incredible creators including Garth Ennis, Rob Williams, Alex de Campi and Dan Abnett. Get a print subscription and it’ll arrive at your door every week – and your first issue is free! Or subscribe digitally, get free back issues, and download DRM-free copies of each issue – for just $9 a month. That’s 128 pages of incredible comics every month for less than $10! And all subscribers get amazing offers, like money off vouchers and exclusive products! Head to 2000AD.com and click on ‘subscribe’ now – or download the 2000 AD app and start reading today!

Thanks to another of the show’s sponsors, Oni Press! Across more than 25 years of work for Marvel, Image, and more, artist Lewis LaRosa has defined himself as a master of the modern comics medium, producing a wholly unique, jaw-dropping style that could only be called “carbon based.” Now, Oni Press is proud to present LaRosa’s first-ever career-spanning retrospective with Carbon Based: The Art of Lewis LaRosa – a deluxe, oversized art book debuting first on Kickstarter with a bounty of exclusive extras this August. Packed with raw line art, rarely seen covers, character designs, concepts, and more, experience more than 250+ pages of LaRosa’s hyper-detailed artwork for projects including Fortnite, Uncanny X-Men, Bloodshot, and more in one deluxe hardcover that must be seen to be believed. Featuring appreciations from some of LaRosa’s most prominent professional colleagues and collaborators – including Lee Bermejo, Jeff Lemire, Matt Kindt, and more – no fan can afford to miss this. Visit Kickstarter.com and search Carbon Based: The Art of Lewis LaRosa to follow the campaign and be instantly notified at launch.

Finally, thanks to the show’s final sponsor in Vault Comics. One of the most innovative comic publishers out there, Vault has released some of the most exciting independent comics of the past ten years. Vault’s current lineup includes a murderers row of titles like Post Malone’s brand new comic series Big Rig, Money Shot: Big Bang by Patton Oswalt, Tim Seeley & Garth Graham, the hit sapphic shenanigans of Corin Howell’s Lilith, and the raucous violent comedy of the smash-hit series Barbaric by Michael Moreci and Nathan Gooden. All of these are available at your local comic shop now. Vault’s backlist boasts a who’s who of comic creators–many of whom have been guests on this very podcast–including titles from the likes of Ram V, Si Spurrier, Christopher Cantwell, Tim Seeley, Aaron Campbell, Liana Kangas, and many, many more. Vault is giving Off Panel listeners 10% off orders of Vault titles from its website by using code OFFPANEL — that’s all one word — at checkout. So, use the code OFFPANEL at checkout for 10% off your entire order.

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Have a question for Off Panel? You can reach David by email or Bluesky.

Header photo is from David Finch’s cover to Skinbreaker #1. Off Panel’s opening theme music is Vulfpeck’s “Outro,” used with permission from the band (and thanks from me for them doing so!), with the rest of the music being an original track by custom music agency Upright T-Rex Music, written and performed specifically for the podcast. A huge thanks to Ross and Cody from Upright T-Rex Music for putting the track together!