Off Panel: A Comics Interview Podcast Off Panel #525: Player Characters with Kieron Gillen
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Nov 10, 2025 
Kieron Gillen, a renowned comic book writer behind works like The Power Fantasy and Die, dives into the complexities of storytelling and creativity. He shares insights on the emotional challenges of the comic industry and the importance of collaboration, particularly with artist Stephanie Hans. Gillen also discusses the thematic evolution of Die: Loaded, highlighting its shift from intimate friend dynamics to exploring social interactions among strangers. Plus, he offers a look into the balance of self-promotion and the art of engaging his audience.
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FOC And Release Are Different Beasts
- FOC and release are different promotional beasts with separate timelines and pressures.
- Kieron measures success by order curves and long-term proven sales rather than single release spikes.
RPGs Keep Die Always Active
- Die remains active daily via its RPG community, conventions, and ongoing fan engagement.
- The RPG and conventions keep the property alive between comic volumes and grow its audience.
Switch Projects Before Burnout
- If creating feels hard, change projects to avoid burnout and find what energizes you.
- Listen to what work is fun and move into areas that feel effortless to sustain passion.