Kelly Gaines

Writer, Editor, Podcaster, and full-time Folklore Enthusiast

United States

Greetings, mortals (I’ve always wanted to say that). I am a part-time writer and long-time fan of all things super, spooky, or just plain well-written. I strongly believe a good narrative can come from anywhere with the right inspiration and the drive to craft something wonderful. Finding mythological footprints in pop culture is what keeps me going.

I received a B.A. in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from Saint Joseph's University in 2016, and I am a proud member of the American Folklore Society. My niche specializations include travel writing, screenwriting, comics & graphic novels, folklore, mythology, and history.

Proficient in: FinalDraft, WordPress, Squarespace, Celtix, Microsoft Office, MLA, APA, and SEO optimization

Send me a message if you're looking for a:
Writer
Ghostwriter
Editor
Reviewer

You can also catch me on the DC Comics News Podcast available here: https://dccomicsnews.com/category/podcast/

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Podcasts, Panels, & Interviews

Fantasticuniverses
10/24/2020
Creator Interview: Cullen Bunn on Folklore and Harrow County

Written by Cullen Bunn and drawn by Tyler Crook, the series' deliciously layered elements of horror and personal exploration were far too multi-faceted to cover in one episode. Naturally, we planned a follow-up episode to cover the final four volumes.

DC Comics News
12/13/2019
DCN Podcast Exclusive Interview with Marc Guggenheim

Welcome to a very special bonus episode of the DC Comics News Podcast! As episode 50 approaches, we wanted to get some special guests on from the world of DC, and first up is the producer of the entire Arrowverse, Marc Guggenheim!

Fireside
Kelly Gaines

american vampire, american vampire 1976, batman, comic books, comics, dark nights: death metal, dc, dc comics, dc comics news, dcn, dcn podcast, exclusive interview, podcast, scott snyder, stephen king, undiscovered country On a special edition of the DC Comics News Podcast, the crew sits down with one of the best working comic book writers today, the amazingly talented Scott Snyder!

acast
Indie Comics Spotlight Ep21: Harrow County | Comics In Motion on Acast

This week Tony is joined by writer extraordinaire, Ms. Kelly Gaines. Please check her out at DC Comics News as a writer and Podcaster. Kelly made a playlist for you enjoy while reading Harrow County. Tony and Kelly break down Dark Horse Comics' iconic, horror tale Harrow County.

DC Comics News
05/19/2020
DCN Podcast Special: Exclusive Interview with LIAM SHARP!!!

On a special edition of the DC Comics News Podcast, the entire crew sits down with legendary comic book artist Liam Sharp. They talk about his experiences in the business, his work with DC, and he even gives a sneak peek at an upcoming book he's working on. Enjoy!

DC Comics News
12/23/2019
DCN Podcast Exclusive Interview with Kami Garcia

Welcome to a very special bonus episode of the DC Comics News Podcast! As episode 50 approaches, we wanted to get some special guests on from the world of DC, and our next guest is the writer of Teen Titans: Raven, Teen Titans: Beast Boy, and Harley/Joker: Criminal Sanity, KAMI GARCIA!

Opinion/ Editorial (Comics & Graphic Novels)

DC Comics News
06/25/2020
DCN Celebrates Pride Month: Part One

June 2020 has been a historic month, one that has reminded us that resilience, determination, and courage are the heartbeat of positive change. June is a historic month for another (and certainly intertwined) reason as well: it's Pride Month! During Pride Month, we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and

DC Comics News
01/15/2020
Indigenous DC: A Look at DC's Native American Heroes

DC's Legion of Superheroes has returned to shelves! The relaunch featured a first look at the updated designs of some Legionnaire favorites. Among the revamped characters is Dawnstar, a DC hero with Native American roots and a science fiction background. Dawnstar recently stepped back into the mains

DC Comics News
10/07/2019
Big Barda: The 'New God' of Superhero Self-Care

Since the introduction of Superman in 1938, when the earth is in danger, comic book superheroes spring into action. Often, heroes like those of the DC universe give everything to the cause, no matter the mental strain or personal cost.

DC Comics News
10/17/2018
Editorial: The Evolution of Darkness in Comics

Titans, currently streaming on DC Universe, features one of DC's most well known and well-liked superhero teams. The Teen Titans are getting another TV makeover- one rooted in a grittier and more cynical attitude than any of their previous incarnations. These Titans appear hardened, less naive, and

DC Comics News
06/28/2019
Swamp Thing: An Essential Guide To The Hero Of The Green

In 1972, DC's personification of natural life and transformation emerged from the darkness of Louisiana swampland. Created by writer Len Wein and artist Berni Wrightson, Swamp Thing is a complex story of loss and rebirth.

DC Comics News
10/30/2018
EDITORIAL: Witchcraft, Folklore, and The Supernatural in DC Comics

Comic book superhero stories are rooted in impossible things. Science experiments gone horribly wrong, humanoid creatures with remarkable abilities, and alien invaders are all par for the course when it comes to following the adventures of costumed vigilantes. But in a medium woven of high-tech dang

DC Comics News
03/31/2019
Aquaman: An Evolution Through The Ages

2018's Aquaman stars Jason Momoa, a goliath of an actor with roots as "Game of Thrones"' Khal Drogo and starring roles in "Frontier" and "Conan the Barbarian". Known for playing formidable renegades, He's far from what public opinion would have expected as DC's live-action Aquaman. To the average pe

DC Comics News
02/11/2019
Comics Recap: 2018 New Character Spotlight

2019 is going to be a landmark year for DC fans. Talent-driven new imprints and highly-anticipated titles are shaping this up to be DC's year. Before we can barrel ahead, 2018 deserves some parting love.

DC Comics News
01/15/2019
80 Years of Batman: The American Dream of the Dark Knight

2019 marks an important milestone for Batman. Created in 1939 by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, Batman has become a global icon spanning cultures and languages beyond anything his creators could have dreamed. Batman has been defending Gotham for 80 years and shows no signs of retiring anytime soon.

DC Comics News
05/31/2019
Tarot Meanings in the DC Universe

TAROT MEANINGS IN THE DC UNIVERSE Written by: Kelly Gaines For those mystified by the world of psychic readings, tarot cards are a familiar sight. Though they began as playing cards in the 1400s, the tarot is a staple of modern divination.

The Batman Universe
10/09/2018
Kelly Gaines

The Batman Universe and all material contained © 2008-Present. All Rights Reserved. Contents may not be reprinted without permission. The Batman Universe is a "fan site" and is not affiliated in any way with DC Comics, DC Entertainment or Warner Bros. "Batman" and all elements are the trademarks of and © by DC Comics.

Lists (Comics)

CBR
06/27/2019
10 Of The Creepiest Superhero Origins In Comics

Travelers from dying worlds, radioactive bites, and science experiments gone wrong are standard origins for comic book superheroes. Heroes get their powers in an array of ridiculous and confusing ways. These unbelievable backstories are part of what makes reading comics so enjoyable.

CBR
08/19/2019
10 Facts About the White Witch of Gotham: Mother Panic

Mother Panic is a fairly new DC character but stands as one of its most interesting. Here's everything you need to know about her. Gotham is home to some of the most noteworthy heroes of the DC universe, not that Mother Panic considers herself one.

CBR
07/04/2019
Long Live Vertigo: 10 Of Vertigo's Most Iconic Titles

After 24 years, DC's Vertigo is coming to an end. Let's take a look back at some of this comic's most iconic titles. DC Comics recently announced they will be ending the Vertigo imprint after more than 25 years. Vertigo was started in 1993 by editor Karen Berger.

CBR
06/22/2019
10 Superpowers You Forgot The Justice League Has

Superman is faster than a speeding bullet. Wonder Woman has the blood of the gods and training of the Amazons. The Flash can best the top speed of animals and machines alike. Batman is rich. It's safe to say that the members of the Justice League can do incredible things.

CBR
06/17/2019
6 Of The Best Leaders In Comics (And 5 Of The Worst)

The problems superheroes find themselves up against are unimaginable. Be it on a galactic or small-town scale, when things get tough, heroes look to their leaders. Leadership in comics comes in many forms. From the official head of a team to an individual trying to be a light in the chaos, the fate of worlds has rested on the shoulders of the comic book characters in power.

DC Comics News
02/14/2019
Valentine's Day Round-Up: DC's Best and Worst Couples

Whether you love or hate Valentine's Day, it's hard to ignore one of winter's most stressed over holidays. In honor of Cupid's big day, we're going to take a look at eight of DC's most memorable couples.

Books & Short Stories

True Crime Seven
True Crime Seven Series

about us true crime seven mission Explore The Stories of The Murderous Minds True Crime Seven is about exploring the stories of the sinful minds in this world. From unknown murderers to serial killers. It is our goal to create a place for true crime enthusiasts to satisfy their morbid curiosities while sparking new ones.

Articles (TV and Film)

CBR
06/15/2019
Avatar: The Last Airbender: 10 Life Lessons That Are Still Relevant Today

First airing in 2005, Avatar: The Last Airbender was a dazzling depiction of power and balance. Viewers watched Avatar Aang and his friends as they tried to navigate adolescence against the backdrop of a devastating war. As they traveled, the gang mastered their bending, took on enemy forces, and got to know citizens from all walks of life.

Theoverthinkersmedia
08/01/2017
Four Ways 'The Animaniacs' Was Too Good for Us

If you enjoyed Saturday morning cartoons back in the 1990's, chances are you've seen an episode of two of the Steven Spielberg produced Animaniacs. The 22-minute cartoon follows the misadventures of The Warner Siblings, Yakko, Wakko, and Dot, as they distract and destroy their way across Burbank California and the unsuspecting world beyond.

Theoverthinkersmedia
10/20/2017
4 Highlights and 3 Low Points of Rick and Morty Season 3

If you're a SciFi fan, or just someone who stays up late perusing the wilderness of late night television, chances are you've heard of the Adult Swim mega hit Rick and Morty. Rick and Morty follows a super scientist grandfather and his less than intelligent grandson as they wreak havoc across the galaxy and multiple...

Comic Bastards
03/19/2018
Review: Batman: Gotham by Gaslight

By Kelly Gaines Gotham by Gaslight is the feature-length 'Elseworlds' movie that nobody asked for. For anyone not familiar with DC's Elseworlds, they're similar to the Marvel ' What If ' titles. The short non-canonical stories range from funny to disturbing and change time, place, and sometimes e

Reviews (Comics)

Multiversity Comics
02/11/2019
Wrapping Wednesday: Micro Reviews for the Week of 02/06/19

There's a lot to cover on Wednesdays. We should know, as collectively, we read an insane amount of comics. Even with a large review staff, it's hard to get to everything. With that in mind, we're back with Wrapping Wednesday, where we look at some of the books we missed in what was another great week of comics.

Comic Bastards
07/18/2018
Review: The Hookah Girl

By Kelly Gaines How do you tell your story when the rest of the world has already decided what your story is? If Hookah Girl is any indication, you do it with paper dolls- paper dolls, humor, and brazen honesty.

Theoverthinkersmedia
11/09/2017
Comic Review: Mother Panic Vol. 1: A Work in Progress

Mother Panic may work in Gotham, but she is not one of the Bat's people. Violet Page, a Gotham City socialite, has taken up the vigilante identity of Mother Panic to settle a personal score with the evil underside of the city's elite. Is she a hero?

Comic Bastards
01/10/2018
Review: Mister Miracle #6

By Kelly Gaines For fans of the current run of Mister Miracle, The depth of the relationship between Scott Free and Big Barda has been both refreshing and melancholy.

Comic Bastards
03/14/2018
Review: Eternity Girl #1

By Kelly Gaines DC's Young Animal imprint has added a new hero to their roster with the mysterious, nihilistic, and clinically depressed Eternity Girl #1 . Once an overachieving student, Caroline Sharp is recruited by an agency known as Alpha 13. Her devoted service royally screws Caroline when he

Comic Bastards
05/09/2018
Review: Eternity Girl #3

By Kelly Gaines Good news everyone! Sloan is alive and well, possibly homeless, and asking the police to turn a blind eye to the rogue superwoman that blew up his home. His wife and kids are fine too- if anyone was wondering. On to important matters.

Comic Bastards
03/01/2018
Review: Doom Patrol/Justice League of America #1

By Kelly Gaines As suddenly as it began, DC's Milk Wars has ended. For a relatively short event, Milk Wars is loaded with references, ideologies, and narratives that need intense dissection to piece together completely. I wouldn't say that I'm disappointed, just a little frustrated with the amount

Comic Bastards
02/14/2018
Review: Shade the Changing Girl - Wonder Woman #1

By Kelly Gaines I don't really know where to begin here. All my years of studying literature and critical theory have not prepared me for this. I've seen Wonder Woman breastfeed a Dustbuster. I didn't know that was something I should be afraid of experiencing- how could I?

Comic Bastards
02/21/2018
Review: Cave Carson Has A Cybernetic Eye - Swamp Thing #1

By Kelly Gaines I used to think I was incredibly lucky in terms of friendship. I've always believed myself to be one of those fortunate few who have an infallible support system of loving companions who tough out the bad times and make the good times shine brighter.

Comic Bastards
03/19/2018
Review: Floating Head #1

By Kelly Gaines Comic anthologies might be my new thing. Floating Head #1 has fully converted me. These books are pure fun. Floating Head is for anyone who enjoys weird creatures and sci-fi misadventures.

Comic Bastards
02/12/2018
Review: P M Buchan's Hangover

By Kelly Gaines Comics like P M Buchan's Hangover are everything that's fun about picking up a title with no expectations, and I'm dead serious when I say I went in with NO expectations. I picked the book for a ridiculous and very me reason: I was hungover.

Theoverthinkersmedia
11/16/2017
Comic Review: The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Vol. 1

Marvel has reopened their vault to bring back a long-forgotten character, but maybe they shouldn't have. Doreen Green is Squirrel Girl, a Marvel superheroine with all the powers of a squirrel trying to navigate her freshman year of college while also working as a full-time vigilante.

Articles (Other)

StartUp Mindset
11/14/2016
4 Health Habits Busy Entrepreneurs Need to Try - StartUp Mindset

When it comes to success, many entrepreneurs and visionaries agree that working hard and staying on top of trends is not enough. Taking care of your body and developing healthy day to day habits are essential to looking, feeling, and thinking your absolute best. In their study on sustainable health habits, the American Council on ...

StartUp Mindset
10/03/2016
6 Things Successful Entrepreneurs Avoid Doing on Social Media - StartUp Mindset

In this internet fueled era, maintaining social media profiles has become a necessity for any business looking to stay above the competition. Sites like Twitter and Facebook have allowed CEO's to talk directly to their customers, and create a welcoming public image to draw in a larger clientele.

StartUp Mindset
12/02/2016
Here Are 6 Tips to Stay Motivated During Rough Weeks - StartUp Mindset

When searching for success, one of the most important and talked about aspects of business is "the grind," or the day-to-day hard work that must be put in to yield results. For many entrepreneurs, there is no such thing as part-time; in fact, overtime has become the new norm for people really looking to excel ...