Today we’d like to introduce you to Bret Juliano

Hi Bret, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

My story begins with a childhood filled with doodles, storytelling, and a fascination for cartoons and animation. Growing up, I dreamed of being an animator, inspired by the charm of Saturday morning cartoons and the creativity of the comics section in the newspaper. I constantly sketched characters in the margins of my notebooks, with piles of sketchbooks and stories scattered around the house.

Fast forward to 2012, after graduating college and starting my nine-to-five job, I realized I wanted to keep that creative spark alive. One evening, while stuck in Los Angeles traffic, I saw a license plate that read “DBM,” my mind wandered to “Dust Bunny Mafia.” That moment sparked an idea, and by the time I got home, I had sketched the first six characters of what would become the Dust Bunny Mafia—a world where Looney Tunes meets The Godfather.

I began publishing my comics online, building a small but dedicated following. Over the years, I expanded my work, creating physical books, running successful Kickstarter campaigns, and sharing my comics at art shows and literary festivals. Moving to Chicago in 2016 deepened my interest in true crime as I explored the city’s rich mob history and incorporated it into my comics.

Today, I’ve built the Dust Bunny Mafia into a brand with nearly 1,000 comic strips, multiple book collections, playing cards, and spin-off projects like my all-ages mystery novel, Detective Potatoes. My comics blend humor, history, and heart, giving readers a unique take on crime stories while maintaining an all-ages approach. It’s been a journey of growth, learning, and connecting with fans worldwide, and I’m excited to see where this creative path takes me next.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

The road has been far from smooth, but every challenge has shaped my journey and taught me valuable lessons. One of the earliest struggles was starting. In 2012, I was balancing a full-time job while figuring out how to launch a comic series from scratch. Like many creators, I faced self-doubt—wondering if my work was good enough or if anyone would even care about a comic about anthropomorphic mobsters.

Another significant challenge was figuring out how to get my work in front of people. When I started Dust Bunny Mafia, traditional newspapers declined, and the internet was crowded with content. Building an audience took time and persistence, as well as learning how to use platforms like Kickstarter, conventions, and local events to connect with readers.

Kickstarter itself has been both a blessing and a challenge. While I’ve successfully funded most of my projects, not every campaign has gone as planned. For example, my first attempt at funding The Blind Tiger failed because I set the goal too high. It was tough to face that setback, but I analyzed what went wrong, adjusted my approach, and successfully relaunched the campaign weeks later.

Conventions and art shows have also come with their struggles. There’s the reality of slow sales, competing for attention in busy vendor halls, and the unpredictable nature of events. But even on tough days, connecting with one person who resonates with my work can turn things around.

The creative process itself isn’t without its hurdles. Balancing historical accuracy with creative storytelling is challenging, especially with my Based on a True Story series. Researching real-life crime stories is fascinating but time-intensive, and simplifying complex events into short comics takes a lot of thought and care.

Despite these challenges, I’ve learned to adapt, stay persistent, and focus on what I can control: creating passionate work and connecting with readers who appreciate it. Every obstacle has been a stepping stone to where I am today.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I am an independent comic creator, writer, and amateur true crime historian. My primary focus is the Dust Bunny Mafia universe, a unique blend of humor, history, and storytelling in which anthropomorphic mobsters navigate the world of organized crime in a style equal parts Looney Tunes and The Godfather. Through nearly 1,000 comic strips, multiple book collections, and spin-off projects like Mobimals and the Detective Potatoes mystery novels, I specialize in taking gritty crime themes and reimagining them in an all-ages, approachable format.

I’m best known for my ability to weave humor into complex and often dark topics like true crime and Mafia history. My Based on a True Story series, for example, adapts fascinating real-life events into witty and engaging comics, providing both entertainment and a historical touchpoint. Fans also recognize my distinctive art style, where charming, cartoonish characters bring a unique warmth to stories about rival mob families, clever heists, and unexpected twists.

I’m most proud of the connections I’ve built with my audience. From fans who eagerly back my Kickstarter campaigns to readers who discover my comics at local shows, their enthusiasm fuels my passion for creating. It’s gratifying to know that my stories provide entertainment and a small escape from the pressures of everyday life. I’m also proud of how my work introduces readers to true crime stories and historical events in a way that feels fresh and accessible.

My ability to combine humor, history, and heart in everything I create sets me apart. While many stories about organized crime focus on violence or dramatization, I reframe these narratives with clever wordplay, historical nods, and relatable characters despite their criminal tendencies. My work appeals to readers across generations, blending nostalgia with something original. Whether it’s a mobster who’s also a dust bunny or a mystery-solving pigeon detective, my stories invite readers into a world they’ve never seen before.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?

As someone who has called Chicago home since 2016, I love the city most because of its rich history, especially its connection to organized crime and true crime lore. Chicago is a treasure trove for someone like me who thrives on uncovering fascinating stories. From Al Capone’s legacy to the remnants of Prohibition-era speakeasies, the city feels like a museum of mob history. I also enjoy the vibrant creative community here—whether at local art shows, literary festivals, or independent markets, there’s always a platform for creators to showcase their work and connect with others.

What I like least about Chicago is the traffic. It reminds me of my time in Los Angeles, where I first devised the idea for Dust Bunny Mafia while stuck in a jam. The congestion can be frustrating, especially when trying to navigate through the city’s labyrinth of streets. That said, it’s a small price to pay for all the inspiration and opportunity the city offers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/bretjuliano
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dustbunnymahfia
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DustBunnyMafia/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/dustbunnymafia