How to Create a Universe with Mark London of Mad Cave Studios

"How to Create a Universe" with comic book writer and publisher Mark London of Mad Cave Studios. Follow the journey of the original creator-owned properties into a shared universe. A great lesson in creating for writers, artists, and self-publishing creators. DATE: 2/24/2026 TIME: 8:00 PM EST HOST: Buddy Scalera CO-HOST: Mike Fasolo CO-HOST: Deanna Destito GUEST: Mark London https://madcavestudios.com/ Exploring the Underworld universe: https://madcavestudios.com/series/underworld/ - The origins of the comics, the creators, and how Mark London built the Underworld universe. Mad Cave Studios CEO Mark London discusses the technical and business evolution of building an independent comic book publisher. We analyze the shift from self-publishing individual titles to managing a multi-imprint distribution network through Simon and Schuster and Penguin Random House. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Scaling from a creator-owned IP to a publisher model requires a transition from individual creative work to managing work-for-hire teams and talent searches. * Strategic imprint diversification allows publishers to target specific demographics, including middle grade (Papercutz), young adult (Maverick), and manga (Nakama Press). * Successful distribution through the Direct Market and major book trade entities depends on established market traction and professional infrastructure. * Independent creators can leverage the "talent search" model to bridge the gap between crowdfunding and professional worldwide distribution. FEATURED CREATORS * Mark London: CEO and Lead Writer at Mad Cave Studios, known for Battlecats, Midnight Task Force, and Wolvenheart. * Buddy Scalera: Comic book writer and educator, founder of Comic Book School. * Deanna Detsito: Eisner Award-winning writer and co-host. TIMESTAMP CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to the craft and business of making comics 01:25 Mark London and the concept of universe building 04:54 Overview of Mad Cave Studios imprints and demographics 08:23 Secret Origin: From college screenplays to Midnight Task Force 11:31 The Mad Cave journey and transitioning to talent acquisition 13:39 Annual talent search and professional distribution mechanics Music by Kristian Stout https://www.youtube.com/@evolutionaries SOCIAL LINKS * Comic Book School Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/comicbookschool * Deanna Destito Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/deannadestito * Mike Fasolo's Substack: https://mikefasolo.substack.com