Nerdy Mewzings · Apr 6, 2026 · 58:09
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Irish comic artist Ruairi Coleman (Marvel/DC, Iron & Frost, Son of Kal-El, and now Predator: Bloodshed with Jordan Morris) joins Nerdy Mewzings for a fun chat about breaking into comics, the tight-knit Irish creator community (shoutouts to Reese Hannigan, Danny Earls & more), and his journey from small press to licensed hits.
Key highlights:
-Early beginnings: Childhood Superman/Spider-Man, X-Men cartoon influence, fumbled path via psychology degree before returning to art
-Breaking in: Dynamite (Tour Rock), Panini Star Wars, connections via Will Sliney, Kieron Gillen-era support
-Irish creator brotherhood: Reese Hannigan (Star Wars Bad Batch), Danny Earls' work ethic/background mastery, mutual door-opening
-Process: Penciling + inking own work, digital pencils with traditional finishing inks, regimented 5 AM starts, sustainability over burnout
-Predator: Bloodshed: Underground fighting tournament, heavy/grounded Predator design, world-building in a concrete jungle, fun kills ramping up
-Discipline & mindset: "Must do as a good master," small pragmatic goals, rest/recovery, showing up even on low-confidence days
-Licensed work realities: On-model challenges, notes from Lucasfilm/20th Century, balancing speed with quality
Predator: Bloodshed #1 & #2 are already out (series launched Feb 2026)—grab them at your LCS!
Support Nerdy Mewzings: Head over to https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings for FREE bonus content!
Follow Ruairi Coleman:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ruairicoleman (process, previews)
X/Twitter - https://x.com/ruairicoleman
Substack (Swingin’ Lead newsletter): https://colemancomicart.substack.com (free, bi-weekly updates)
Love Predator, licensed comics, Irish creator stories, or discipline talks for artists?
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro & Irish Creator Brotherhood (Reese Hannigan, Danny Earls & More)
2:30 - Early Beginnings: Superman, X-Men Cartoon & Small Press Roots
5:00 - Fumbled Path: Psychology Degree Before Returning to Comics
8:00 - Breaking In: Dynamite, Star Wars for Panini & Key Connections
11:00 - Irish Support Network: Door-Opening & Mutual Recommendations
14:00 - Process Evolution: Penciling + Inking Own Work, Digital vs. Traditional
18:00 - Discipline & Routine: 5 AM Starts, Sustainability & "Must Do as a Good Master"
23:00 - Predator: Bloodshed Overview (Underground Tournament, Heavy Design)
27:00 - Licensed Work Challenges: On-Model, Notes & Speed vs. Quality
31:00 - World-Building, Kills & Fun of the Predator Universe
35:00 - Balancing Superheroes, Licensed Books & Personal Projects
39:00 - Upcoming Work Teases & Socials
42:00 - Where to Follow Ruairi
44:00 - Support the Podcast & Keep It Nerdy