Off Panel #573: XP Boost with Beetle Moses

Off Panel #573 features cartoonist Beetle Moses discussing his webcomic and its first print collection, "Beetle Moses: A Comics Menagerie." The episode covers Moses's experience at SPX (Small Press Expo), his approach to reader engagement, and reflections on what 2026 has been like for him as a creator. The conversation touches on his creative influences, including surprising ones, and his work in longform comics. Moses discusses The Far Side's influence on his work and the importance of bringing authentic personality to one's creative output. A significant portion focuses on the practical aspects of his print collection—what went into deciding which pieces to include, how he navigated pop culture references in a printed format, and the strategic importance of moving from webcomic to print. The episode explores the different dimensions of comics as a medium and what Moses wants to achieve going forward. Topics include maintaining what makes his work distinctive ("keeping the special sauce"), breaking up rhythms within collections, and the various sides of comics as both art form and business. The discussion appears to balance creative philosophy with practical publishing considerations, offering insights into the webcomic-to-print transition that many independent cartoonists face.

Verdict: A solid interview with a working cartoonist that likely offers practical value to comics creators and enthusiasts, though the show notes suggest breadth over depth.

Arts rubric

• Insight into the work 3/5 20%

  Show notes indicate discussion of creative choices (influences, pop culture references, rhythm-breaking) and the transition to print, but lack specifics about what insights were actually revealed.

• Expertise and access 4/5 20%

  Beetle Moses is the creator discussing his own work directly, providing direct access; hosts appear to be informed about comics given the detailed topic list.

• Sparks curiosity 3/5 15%

  Discussion of a first print collection and webcomic-to-print transition could interest comics readers, but show notes don't convey compelling hooks or surprising revelations.

• Substance 3/5 15%

  Broad range of topics covered (SPX, influences, print decisions, creative philosophy) suggests solid content, but show notes don't indicate depth or density of discussion in any one area.

• Delivers on its title 4/5 15%

  Title "XP Boost" suggests leveling up; episode covers Moses's growth trajectory, print collection, and creative development, which aligns well with the metaphor.

• Value for time 3/5 15%

  83-minute runtime covering multiple topics suggests reasonable pacing, but without hearing the episode, unclear if discussion is tight or contains padding.

How we score Arts

Worth it if you're interested in webcomics, the indie comics scene, or the practical side of transitioning from digital to print publication.

Based on the episode description. AI-generated; it can be wrong.