In this episode of Epic Realms, host Nick sits down with bestselling author and cartoonist Aaron Reynolds, the creator of the wildly popular Effin Birds. From Canadian comedy roots to Comic Con chaos, this wide ranging conversation dives deep into how humor, spite, and creativity built one of the internet’s most enduring web comics.
Aaron shares the true origin story of Effin Birds, including the infamous rejection that turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him. He opens up about growing up on CBC sketch comedy, his love of absurd humor, and how early pranks, school newspapers, and baseball fandom shaped his creative voice.
Listeners will hear behind the scenes stories from Comic Cons, including shadow puppets, deli stickers, cosplay adventures, and why San Diego Comic Con is both a nightmare and a financial necessity. Aaron also talks candidly about publishing struggles, algorithm burnout, crowdfunding books, and how he keeps a daily comic fresh nearly ten years in.
Episode Highlights
How Effin Birds went from rejected pitch to global phenomenon
Growing up on Canadian comedy like Wayne and Shuster, Kids in the Hall, and Red Green
Comic Con antics, shadow puppet zones, and why being weird works
The realities of making a living as a web cartoonist in the algorithm era
Crowdfunding books, publisher collapses, and taking control of your work
Upcoming Effin Birds projects including sticker books, affirmation decks, and an oracle deck
If you love comics, comedy, creative careers, or stories about turning rejection into momentum, this episode is for you.
Effin' Birds 2026 Calendar - https://amzn.to/4jnm19a
Effin' Birds 2026 Day to Day Calendar - https://amzn.to/4jnm19a
Effin' Birds Website - https://effinbirds.com/
