Ryan Crowe on This Land Is Old and Dark, Scott Snyder & Horror

Writer and Comedian Ryan Crowe joins Nerdy Mewzings to discuss his new comic book 'This Land Is Old and Dark', a three-issue horror miniseries from Invader Comics featuring stunning art by Abel Garcia.

Set in the late 18th century during westward expansion, the story explores themes of land ownership, the untamable wilderness, and humanity’s folly against primordial nature — all rendered in a striking black, red, and sepia palette born from smart creative constraints. Ryan shares how Scott Snyder mentored him through the Substack community, the economic and artistic choices that shaped the book’s unique look, discovering Abel Garcia on Instagram, and landing variant covers from legends like Michael Kaluta and Simon Bisley.

We also delve into his comedy background (Drunk Theater), lifelong love of writing and comics (from Superman and Spawn to Moebius and underground work), and what’s next after issue one (releasing late August) already broke sales records for the publisher!

If you love indie horror, thoughtful storytelling, or Scott Snyder — Leave a 5 STAR Review, Share with a Friend, & Keep it Nerdy!

Follow Ryan:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/doctorcrowe

Publisher - https://www.instagram.com/invadercomics

Become a Nerdy Insider on Patreon and receive each week's episode 48 hours early, a shoutout on the show, and more to come: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro & Ryan Crowe Joins Nerdy Mewzings

2:00 - Abel Garcia’s Art & Limited Color Choices

7:00 - Elevator Pitch for This Land Is Old and Dark

11:00 - Meeting Invader Comics & Choosing the Path

16:00 - Early Writing Roots & First Comics

22:00 - Comedy Career & Finding Time for Comics

28:00 - Collecting, Influences & Favorite Artists/Writers

35:00 - Release Plans, Covers & Kickstarter Trade

42:00 - Future Ideas & Advice for Creators

48:00 - Where to Follow Ryan & Outro