{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The United States Department of Nerds Podcast","title":"John McLaren of Phantom Ink Comics | ToteMan, Villains Anonymous & Indie Comics","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/09adaf8c\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":5916,"description":"What happens when a lifelong comic fan, toy collector, and convention veteran turns his passion into creator-owned comics?\nIn this episode of the USDN Podcast, The Chairman sits down with John McLaren of Phantom Ink Comics to discuss the origins of ToteMan, Villains Anonymous, Argyle Avenger, NinjaBoy, and the journey from comic collector to comic creator.\nJohn shares the personal inspiration behind ToteMan, including how the character helped explain epilepsy to his son, while also discussing the realities of independent publishing, convention culture, creator-owned storytelling, and the enduring appeal of classic comic book adventures.\nFrom Gen X nostalgia and comic collecting to building a universe of original characters, this conversation explores why indie comics continue to thrive through passion, creativity, and community.\nFollow John McLaren / Phantom Ink Comics:Facebook:\nhttps://www.facebook.com/Gen.X.ToyboxInstagram:\nhttps://www.instagram.com/genxtoyboxYouTube:\nhttps://www.youtube.com/user/PhantomInkProduction\nFollow the USDN Podcast:\nLinktree:\nhttps://linktr.ee/USDN_Podcast\n📧 Business / Media Inquiries: thechairman@usdnpodcast.com\n🛒 Support USDN & Protect Your CollectionBCW Supplies Affiliate Link:  https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdn\nUse Coupon Code: USDN\nAffiliate Disclosure: USDN may earn a small commission if you use our affiliate link or code. This helps support the show at no extra cost to you.\nThe USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/jK77dc0vRU6rdQe3lGzQeHxWXmC-iqPIYcsRvu3WnRw/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8xMDE0/NzI5MzBlZGRiOGQ2/MzFlNGI2NzJiMzc2/MTczOC5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}