Meet Nick Marino | Comic book writer, zinester, and co-owner of Cabrillo Beach Curiosities

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nick Marino and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nick, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
There was no choice! Comic books are what I care about most. For better or worse, they’re my life’s passion and my life’s pursuit.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Starting out as a cartoonist in my childhood, I eventually found that my true adult fascination was with writing comics. Raw concepts of characters and new worlds turn into detailed pitches and outlines. Those expand into scripts tailored to imaginative artists. The impossible worlds I dream up are made tangible when I write a love letter to my collaborator, coaxing them to push their skills further than ever as I generate problems for them to solve with illustrated solutions.

I wouldn’t recommend pursuing comic book writing if you struggle with rejection or feel a need to see consistent results for your hard work. The field is very hit-or-miss, and big dreams can often languish for years until they become manifest in unexpected ways.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love where I live. The Korean Friendship Bell is a spectacular place, singular in its combination of qualities. So when a friend comes so visit San Pedro, that’s normally where I like to start. From there, a walk to Point Fermin and the Corner Store enhances the experience. The next day would begin with Joseph’s Pizza and then a trip to Pepper’s Cafe inside Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles. Right next to that spectacular coffee shop is the comic book stand operated by Rosie and I, Cabrillo Beach Curiosities. I’d end the day at Cabrillo Beach itself, taking in the sunset cliffs on the edge of Sunken City.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife Rosie Knight is supportive and patient. She’s created so many opportunities for me to express my passion for comics, whether it’s fostering a work environment at home where I can focus on deepening my craft of telling stories or pushing us to open our little comic shop in San Pedro.

Website: https://www.nickmarino.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickmarinoart/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmarino/

Twitter: https://x.com/nickmarino

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nik-furious

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nickmarinoart/

Other: https://nickmarino.tumblr.com/