Building the Future Vision Comics Universe with Eric Shane
The United States Department of Nerds Podcast · Nov 13, 2026 · 1:13:42
The United States Department of Nerds Podcast
The United States Department of Nerds Podcast · Nov 13, 2026 · 1:13:42
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What does it take to build an independent comic book publishing company with your brother and create an original superhero universe from the ground up?
Eric Shane, co-founder and artist of Future Vision Comics, joins The Chairman on the USDN Podcast to discuss building an independent comic book company alongside his brother, developing original superheroes, and creating an interconnected universe inspired by the classic comic book storytelling of the 1970s and 1980s.
What began as a lifelong passion for comics eventually became something much bigger.
After losing their jobs when the machine shop where they worked closed, Eric and his brother seized the opportunity to pursue their creative ambitions and bring Future Vision Comics to life.
But building a shared superhero universe isn't simply about introducing characters and bringing them together.
Eric explains why each character needs time to develop an individual identity before major crossovers can feel earned, and how Future Vision Comics is approaching worldbuilding across cosmic adventures, supernatural mythology, and horror.
From Astro Alliance, a cosmic superhero team influenced by X-Men and The Breakfast Club, to Baron Templar and the darker world of The Harker, Eric takes us inside the creative process behind the company's expanding lineup.
We also explore the Astro Alliance #2 Kickstarter campaign, the creative decisions behind its rewards and variant covers, and the challenges of independent comic book publishing, including printing costs, comic shop distribution, and making comics more accessible to readers.
Eric also discusses the Harker #1 advertisement, the Baron Templar #5 cover, and what's next for the Future Vision Comics universe.
Join The Chairman and Eric Shane for a conversation about brotherhood, creative independence, crowdfunding, worldbuilding, and building a publishing company one comic at a time.
🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE
🚀 SUPPORT FUTURE VISION COMICS
Astro Alliance #2 - Kickstarter Late Pledges:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1052635632/astro-alliance-2
Official Website:
https://futurevisioncomics.com/
🎙️ ABOUT THE USDN PODCAST
Welcome to the United States Department of Nerds, where we are for the people, by the people, and of the people.
Hosted by The Chairman, the USDN Podcast is dedicated to giving independent comic book creators a platform to share their stories, discuss their work, and connect with readers.
From writers and artists to publishers, colorists, letterers, and everyone involved in bringing independent comics to life, USDN puts the creators and their stories first.
Join the Council of Nerds and support independent comics!
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The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come To Life
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Episodes: The United States Department of Nerds Podcast
